Île de Dave, island in Belgium
Île de Dave is a small island in the Meuse River in Namur province, Belgium, covered with dense forest of poplars, ash, alder, and willow trees. The vegetation forms a thick green woodland with meadows at the edges where wildflowers like meadowsweet and angelica bloom in spring.
The island is first documented in 1588 when hospital land was leased there. In the 1700s potatoes, grain, and strawberries were grown, and by the 1900s it became a recreation spot with a sailing club and café. It was protected as a nature reserve in 1992 to preserve its wildlife and forests.
The island is known locally as a place for observing nature and enjoying quiet walks away from town. Today people visit to watch birds and plants rather than for the farming and work that once took place here.
The island is accessible only by boat or sometimes on foot when water levels are low. Visitors should check local conditions beforehand since there is no car access and only small watercraft can reach it.
The island is home to rare plants like yellow meadowrue that are scarcely found elsewhere in the region. It is also part of Europe's Natura 2000 program for protecting natural habitats.
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