Summer walk in nature reserve Overlo (Dalemhof)

Barely 3.5 km from Leuven center lies the nature reserve Overlo (Dalemhof). Barely 3 ha in size, but definitely worth a visit. It is located in the beautiful setting of the Molenbeek valley, near the historic H.-Geesthof and the Papieren Moleken, which was once not only a paper mill and wool laundry, but even an aluminum factory. The nature reserve has never been forested due to the swampy subsoil. At most, it was hayed a few times a year. Because such wetlands can play an important role in times of climate change, Natuurpunt tries to manage these grasslands as well as possible here. And after about five years of intensive management, the result is already impressive. Especially at the beginning of summer, it is one big floral splendor here: cuckoo flower, ragged robin, tuberous saxifrage, water mint, water figwort… You can also admire impressive traces of beaver activities here, and in the Molenbeek, you can see various types of roach darting by. Later in the year, Overlo is also worth a visit, if only to discover the course of an old Molenbeek meander in the freshly mown grassland. Distance: approx. 1.5 km. Waterproof footwear is recommended. Not suitable for strollers or wheelchair users. Participation is free, but please register in advance.