Explore the nature reserve of Mechels Broek. It’s a delightful country walk to the south of Mechelen.
Here’s another idea for a morning or afternoon walk in the peaceful countryside just south of Mechelen.
How to access Mechels Broek?
By public transport, Muizen railway station is very convenient. If you’re coming by car, a good spot to park is along the Muizenhoekstraat, 2812 Mechelen, for example near no. 10. Just along from there (to the west) is a signpost and path leading north into the fields:

The footpath is well maintained, and goes through the small wood you can see in the distance in the photograph and then alongside some meadows. What’s great is that the meadows are real, natural meadows with wild flowers and butterflies, and not industrially cultivated and therefore barren fields. So you stand a good chance of seeing some interesting insects. Here’s a few I came across:



Carry on and you will come to a small bridge over a stream called the Boiemeerbeek:

The footpath continues along the right-hand side of this stream, and it’s a very lovely walk. At this time of the year, take a basket or bag with you as there are lots of tasty blackberries in the hedgerows here. Or take a picnic and enjoy the blackberries as a dessert after your sandwiches! There’s a nice bench with a good view:

Depending on the time you have available, you could retrace your steps, or go on further and complete a circular walk of around 5 km. For example, on the map at the 1 km mark you can turn left and walk between the lakes of the Mechels Broek, along the River Dijle, and back along Muizenhoekstraat.

Let me know how you get on, and what insects you have spotted.

Another wonderful travel post. Thanks Denzil ðŸƒ
Thanks you Andrea, glad you liked it.
Hi Denzil,
The stream name is Boeimeerbeek.
Greetings,
Jacques
Thanks Jacques, I will correct it!
Die regio staat ook op mijn to do list. Je had mooie ontmoetingen! Knappe foto’s!
Ja, Joke het is een rustig en interessant gebied, zeker de moeite waard om te bezoeken.
How wonderful to see that natural sanctuaries still exist for our insects.
Yes Rosaliene, having said that, there weren’t many, and I notice the general decline in insect numbers over recent years, which is saddening.
From what I’ve learned, this is a general trend worldwide. Sad, indeed.
Lovely photos again 😊
Thanks again Frag!
Nice photos! I love wild blackberries, although where I grew up, they’re kind of rare, and it’s much more common to find black raspberries, which are smaller but also very delicious. It’s very nice to be able to take a walk in a place where dessert is provided!!
Yes Robert, I had to force myself to leave some on the bushes for my readers who visit the area!
Your insect photos are beautiful Denzil and the last one, of the bee, is quite stunning.
Thanks Carol, For every good shot, I discard about 20 not so good ones. I’m glad I’m not paying for film!
I love my digital camera!
Great post. I’m jealous of how well you and Andrea (Harvesting Hecate) know your local flora and fauna. Once I get past robins, squirrels, rabbits, oaks and maples, geraniums and chrysanthemums, I can say bird, flower or tree.
It’s never too late to learn Pat! 🙂
I find it easier to learn from someone than look it up in a book–because the pictures never seem to resemble exactly what I am looking at.
Come over and I’ll take you out and about… ✈ 🛥 🚶
Consider it a plan, as soon as I can work out the pesky details like when and how. Thanks for the offer.
The close ups of the critters are amazing – so much detail and color. I really enjoy seeing all the images of water – you nearly always have some kind of water feature in your photographs. So very pretty.
Thanks Sharon. Yes, you can’t beat a water feature!