Vallei van de Zwarte Beek, Nature reserve in Limburg and Flemish Brabant, Belgium
The Vallei van de Zwarte Beek is a 1,407-hectare valley where the Zwarte Beek runs 35 km from its source in Hechtel to the Demer in Diest, through Hechtel-Eksel, Houthalen-Helchteren, Beringen, Lummen, Halen and Diest. The stream passes forests, marshes, hay meadows and pastures; 879 hectares are recognised as nature reserves, with walking areas laid out at five places along the brook.
Natuurpunt began developing the valley in 1976 at Koersel in Beringen, and the Agency for Nature and Forests shares in its management. In 1992 the area gained official status as an Ecological Impulse Area under the Watersnip Plan. In 2026 Natuurpunt launched Natuurpark Zwarte Beek, with the crane replacing the snipe as its symbol.
The reserve's symbol changed in 2026: the crane replaced the snipe when Natuurpunt launched Natuurpark Zwarte Beek. Two cranes hatched in Belgium for the first time here on 30 April 2021, and three pairs were counted in 2025. The name Zwarte Beek refers to the dark, iron-rich water of the stream that runs 35 km from Hechtel to the Demer at Diest.
The area offers marked walking trails with boardwalks in wetter sections to keep feet dry. The paths suit different fitness levels, though some sections may become muddy depending on the season.
A sensory trail winds through the reserve with stations designed to include visitors of all physical abilities in the nature experience. The route features sound labyrinths and textured elements that invite exploration through touch and hearing.
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