On Saturday 27 September, the nature guides of IVN Mark & Donge and the Markdal Association will hold a joint excursion about the present and future of the Markdal between the A58 motorway and Breda. Attention will be paid to the current natural and landscape values and to the changes that will take place in the coming years.
The Mark was a narrow, strongly meandering lowland stream. From 1968 onwards, it was channelled, deepened, and widened into a river. Much of its natural value was lost in the process. Between the border and Breda, around 20 meanders were cut off and dredged. The goals were: better water drainage, flood prevention, making the valley more suitable and accessible for agriculture, and easier maintenance, for example by replacing the eroding banks with revetments. The disadvantages of the canalisation became clear over the years. Since 2012, efforts have been made to restore it.
Many years and considerable effort preceded the current work, but the realignment of the Markdal is and will be a fact. In the area around Galder, the work has already been completed. New meanders have been created, ponds excavated, and a new cycling path laid.
Now, Markdal-North is next. In the area between the Sulkerpad/de Reeptiend and the Klokkenberg, the Brabantse Delta water board will acquire 32 hectares of agricultural land, creating more space for the Mark and nature. During this walk, IVN Mark & Donge will give an impression of what it will look like here in the future.
This time, each small group will go out with two guides. A board member of the Markdal Association will tell everything about the new developments. An IVN guide will focus on what you encounter in nature. You will not only walk through the Markdal but also through the slightly higher lanes and past the beautiful fields and pastures of Blauwe Kamer. It promises to be a very diverse walk, with attention for all the beauty that can already be found here and a glimpse into the future.
Registration is possible until the day of the walk. After registering, you will receive information about the departure point.
The walk starts at 13:30 and lasts until approximately 15:30/16:00.
More information and the registration form can be found on the IVN Mark & Donge website under Activities.
