SUMMER TOURS 2026 - Agentschap Natuur and Forest

AGENCY FOR NATURE AND FORESTS - WESTOUTER - 6 KM With this final, short walk, we find ourselves entirely on the grounds of the Agency for Nature and Forests. As early as 1912, the Belgische Staat bought 10 hectares of the Hellegat Forest on the flank of the Rodeberg and the Baneberg. With this purchase, the first State Forest was born, to the great joy of the then-mayors of Westouter and Loker. The threat from the owner at the time to clear-cut the entire forest could have been disastrous for tourism in the Heuvelland region. The rescue was short-lived, however, because two years later the Eerste Wereldoorlog broke out, during which the entire region, including the Hellegat Forest, was razed to the ground. After the war, the forest was replanted. The region became interesting for war tourism, and the Kosmos complex (1931-32 hotel/restaurant) was built on the Rodeberg in interwar style. SUMMER TOURS 2026 General Summer Tours is an organization by Natuurpunt De Bron and partners.  In this 17th edition, there are 25 walks; on every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday evening in July and August.  Total overview: www.debron.be/zomertoeren-2026 Practical arrangements, applicable to all walks -Meeting time: 6:45 PM each time -Departure: always promptly at 7:00 PM -End: around 9:30 PM -Participation: Natuurpunt members free, non-members €3.50 per person (maximum €7.00 per family) -Registration not required -Sturdy footwear is recommended, binoculars are useful, a drink for the road is nice. -Adjust clothing to weather conditions Info www.debron.be/zomertoeren-2026 - info@debron.be – 0495 79 36 90