This nature reserve lies between the 'Aa' (a tributary of the Nete), the Slootbeek and the Poederlee-Lichtaart road.
In the Kempen region, 'Haert' (or Aert) means common, uncultivated land, heath, and woods for herding cattle, cutting peat and extracting heath as bedding for animals.
The nature reserve consists mainly of oak woods with hazel undergrowth. There are also some poplar stands and alder thickets. Wood hedges and tree rows demarcate the meadows and fields still used by farmers. The woods provide a habitat where several bird species can rest and nest. The alternation of mature and young woodland and wet soils means there is a wide variety of vegetation and mushrooms.
Several fish ladders were recently constructed in this nature reserve. They help fish swim back upstream and reach their spawning grounds.
More info, including on walks, can be found on Natuurpunt's website.
