Oud Turnhout, Arendonk and Ravels

The title"Natura 2000\\\" covers the important nature reserves in Europe. Landscape De Lierenman near Turnhout, where wet and dry heathland, but also forests alternate, is part of this. There is a meadow bird area, where many feathered species migrate during the breeding season, but other animals also forage for food in De Lierenman. Extra attention is paid to diversity in the policy pursued in the area, because the various biotopes place high demands on the living environment, making them rare and vulnerable. The best-known plant that grows in the De Lierenman nature reserve is undoubtedly the wild gale, whose male plants turn orange-brown between March and April. Where wild gale grows, not only your eyes are pampered, but also your nose. A resinous scent spreads and is enhanced when the leaf is rubbed. Wild gale used to be used to season beer or to repel pests and the brown-orange color of the plant is often seen in paintings. In addition to wild gale, you will also find gale thickets, alder and willow trees and drifting dunes in the area. The forests are covered with oak, birch and pine, while greenish-yellow stalks on sparse grasslands wave here and there in the wind. If you would like to know more about De Lierenman Landscape before you explore the area by bike, you can go to the visitor center on the edge of the area. You park your car in the parking lot in Oud-Turnhout. Profile Eric Pellis is located here and we advise you to have your bike checked here before you set off. With the bicycle discount pass you get a 10 euro discount on maintenance or repairs and it is reassuring to know that your bicycle has been properly checked before you start the bike tour.