The private nature conservation organisation “Vrienden van Heverleebos en Meerdaalwoud vzw” was founded in 1969. The main goal is nature conservation in the region of Dijleland (valley of the river Dijle catchment and its immediate surroundings, south of the city of Leuven). This is achieved by direct protection of important nature sites as well as by study and education, and by influencing governments at the different levels.
An information centre is established in which presentations for scholars about specific nature themes are prepared each year. Schools are invited to visit the presentation and receive additional information by nature guides. The centre contains a large collection of books and other information which can be consulted freely.
The organisation has an extensive spectrum of guided walks aiming at the general public as well as more specialised groups. The centre can be contacted for guides that accompany groups with different levels of interest in nature areas The organisation also sets up courses about nature awareness to a broad public.
In the valley of the river Dijle, a nature reserve called “De Doode Bemde” is managed by the organisation, in co-operation with Natuurpunt vzw. Over 200 hectares are currently protected and managed by a large team of volunteers. They are supported by a small team of professional field workers.
An important aspect of the organisation lies in studying and monitoring nature. Management of the nature reserve is evaluated by monitoring the hydrology, vegetation evolution and fauna. Occurrence and habitat requests of specific biological groups, i.e. mammals, birds, snails and flowering plants, are investigated throughout the region. Special attention has been drawn to nature relics in arable land in the region, such as sunken roads, and road verges.
A team of volunteers regularly meets to discuss actions in the region of Dijleland. This group tries to influence local nature policy by giving advice, developing long term view and strategies concerning nature and rural development and by acting against a wide array of nature abuses.
A three-monthly periodical is made with news from the Dijleland region, an activity calendar and other nature related issues is spread to all the members and the press. They also receive a yearbook, in which a specific theme is presented more thoroughly.
More information:
Vrienden van Heverleebos en Meerdaalwoud
Waversebaan 66
3001 Heverlee
Belgium
tel en fax: 00 32 16 23 05 58
mail: vhm.infocentrum@skynet.be
english report