Heather is an evergreen flowering plant native to European heaths. Its blossoming season beings in July and continues through to September, but the highest concentration of flowers appears in late August. At this time, the moorlands change its colour to all shades of violet and purple.
In Belgium, heather grows mainly in the northern part of the country—in the Campine region and in the Kalmthout Heath. The latter is one of the oldest and largest natural reserves in Flanders. The heath is a part of the De Zoom–Kalmthoutse Heide park located on the border of Belgium and the Netherlands. The other place to look for blooming heather is the Hautes Fagnes, a natural reserve in the upper Ardennes.
Heather is not only beautiful to look at—it is also valuable for animals and humans. It is a source of food for sheep and deer. Meanwhile, people still use it to brew beer (heather substitutes hops) and to make honey.
Additionally, when you visit the moorlands to have a look at the vast purple areas of heather, pay attention to the local fauna. You may meet such species as the hare, red squirrel, common dwarf bat, fox, roe deer, common forest mouse, mole, rabbit, etc.
Practical info
When is the best time to see the purple moorlands of Belgium?
To see the purple moorlands in Belgium, one should visit in late August when the heather is in full bloom. The blossoming season of the Heather plant lasts from July to September, but the highest concentration of flowers appears in late August. The moorlands change into various shades of purple and violet during this time of the year. Show more
What is the location of the Kalmthout Heath reserve in Belgium?
The Kalmthout Heath is situated in the Campine region, located in the northern part of Belgium. It is one of the largest and oldest natural reserves in Flanders and is part of the De Zoom–Kalmthoutse Heide park, situated on the Dutch-Belgian border. This reserve can be conveniently reached from the cities of Antwerp, Brussels, and Rotterdam by car or train. Show more
What wildlife species rely on heather as a food source in Belgium?
Apart from providing habitats for various animal species such as red squirrels, roe deer, forest mice, rabbits, and hares, heather is a critical food source for deer and sheep. In addition, different insect species depend on heather plants for nectar and pollen, such as bees and butterflies. Heather plays a vital role in maintaining the ecosystem of Belgium’s heathlands. Show more
What is the process of making beer with heather flowers in Belgium?
Beer brewers sometimes replace hops with heather flowers to create a one-of-a-kind taste in Belgium. Flowering heather plants are harvested and dried, then used in the brewing process to create a distinctive beer with a slightly sweeter taste and a darker color. It has gained popularity in Belgium and can be found in various breweries throughout the country. Show more
What types of animals can be spotted in the moorlands of Belgium during heather blooming season?
Visitors can spot a diverse range of animals during the heather blooming season in Belgium. Red squirrels, common dwarf bats, foxes, roe deer, common forest mice, moles, and rabbits are some of the animals that can be seen. Additionally, many bird species, including Eurasian sparrowhawks, common redpolls, and lapwings, migrate to this area. Finally, dozens of insect species are attracted to the blooming heather, such as butterflies, bees, and moths. Show more
