Natuurpunt Ham nature reserves

Natuurpunt Ham is a local branch of Natuurpunt dedicated to nature conservation, education, and biodiversity in the region of Ham and surrounding municipalities. The organization currently manages two nature reserves: De Rammelaars and Veldhovenheide. In addition, Natuur.huis De Rammelaars serves as a central meeting place for volunteers and visitors. The organization is supported by around fifteen active volunteers who are responsible for conservation management, organizing activities, and raising awareness and funding.

The nature reserve De Rammelaars covers 50 hectares and is located across three municipalities: Balen, Ham, and Meerhout. The area lies in a valley depression formed by the Luikse Beek, Kleine Beek, and Gerhoeveweideloop. The vegetation is highly diverse, including wet, species-rich grasslands, hedgerows, alderbrook forests and lowland peat. This diversity contributes to high biodiversity and makes the area ecologically valuable.

The management vision for De Rammelaars is twofold. In the southwestern section, south of the Luikse Beek, management focuses on preserving the historical cultural landscape. Here, wet hay meadows are maintained and surrounded by hedgerows, alternating with alder carrs and former peat pits. The northeastern section develops into a semi-open natural landscape, featuring a mosaic of meadows, scrub, and woodland. Hedgerows play an important role as ecological corridors. Special attention is given to water management to support wet habitats. The area is free accessible to walkers, with certain zones designated as quiet areas for wildlife.

Management activities in De Rammelaars include mowing meadows, maintaining and cutting hedgerows, controlling invasive species such as American bullfrog, black cherry (Prunus serotina), and Japanese knotweed, and creating and maintaining walking paths. Ponds are also enhanced for biodiversity. Water management remains a key priority.

In 2025, several new initiatives and developments took place. A Tuesday volunteer team was established for regular maintenance work. A pond was thoroughly dredged, and hedgerows were pruned. Notably, wild boars were observed in the area. Nest boxes and camera equipment were repaired, and observations of barn owls and tawny owls were recorded.

The second nature reserve, Veldhovenheide, covers 60 hectares and is located near Ham and Kwaadmechelen. Its vegetation includes pine forests mixed with deciduous trees, deciduous woodland, open sandy areas, and heathland. The management vision focuses on creating a semi-open landscape with heath, open woodland, drifting sand, and nutrient-poor grasslands.

Key objectives include converting conifer plantations into natural oak-birch forests by thinning pine trees, controlling invasive species, and restoring heathland and wetland ecosystems. Efforts are also made to reduce unwanted tree and shrub encroachment to restore open habitats. 

In addition to nature management, Natuurpunt Ham was involved in citizen science projects, such as water sampling to monitor water quality, including the presence of E. coli. This contributes to a better understanding of the ecological condition of local waterways.

Natuur.huis De Rammelaars functions as a meeting place and base for activities. It features a terrace by a pond where visitors can observe wildlife such as frogs, salamanders, dragonflies, and other aquatic organisms, although invasive bullfrogs are also present. Nightingales are another highlight. The nature house is open on Sundays and public holidays from April to October.

In 2025, Natuurpunt Ham organized a wide range of activities. These included management workdays, lectures, culinary events such as “Chef in the Nature,” nature experiences like the Nightingale Night and dawn walks, and educational activities such as nest counts. Cultural and awareness-raising events were also held, including a photo show, film, and the Night of Darkness.

Education is an important part of the organization’s mission, with collaborations involving schools through Educatief Natuurbeheer Limburg. Pupils participate in hands-on management activities and gain practical experience in nature conservation.

At the policy level, 2025 was a busy year with various consultations on water management, including discussions about water extraction in Balen. Meetings were held with stakeholders including water companies, government bodies, and nature organizations. Wildlife management, particularly concerning wild boars, was also discussed. Following a recent municipal merger, new subsidy opportunities became available, including funding for the purchase of ecologically valuable land and support for organizational operations.

The financial balance for 2025 shows a slight deficit of around €100. Total expenditures amounted to just over €8,700, with most spending allocated to management and the nature house. Income, slightly above €8,600, came mainly from the nature house, activities, subsidies, and donations. Despite the small deficit, the organization remains financially stable.

Looking ahead to 2026, Natuurpunt Ham plans to continue its activities and projects. Regular workdays will be organized on Tuesdays and Saturdays. Events such as “Chef in the Nature,” swallow nest counts, and the Night of Darkness will return. There will also be cleanup actions and maintenance of the nature house. 

In summary, Natuurpunt Ham plays an important role in the conservation and management of nature in the region. Through a combination of practical nature management, education, volunteer engagement, and policy involvement, the organization contributes to biodiversity and public appreciation of nature. The dedication of volunteers and collaboration with various partners are key to its success.

Links:

• Natuurpunt Ham website and activities

• NatuurpuntHam2025.pdf (PDF)