More space for water and nature in the Maalbeek valley (Grimbergen)
Nature, heritage and water hand in hand in Grimbergen
The valley of the Maelbeek, between the centre of Grimbergen and the Brussels-Charleroi Canal, is gradually changing into an attractive place for nature, heritage and recreation. But there is more: water is also given new space!
This was our 2025 campaign: exceptional kayaking on the Zenne, cycling, hiking and aquatic animal spotting
On World Water Day (22 March), exceptional kayaking took place on the Senne in Wallonia during our campaign. A unique experience for all participants that could continue with the support from the Life Belini project and its partners. In addition, during our campaign you could also cycle and walk in several places and in Beersel you could even spot aquatic animals.
Fiere Rivieren – Rivières Fières (‘Proud Rivers’) Campaign from 17 to 30 March 2025
In 2025, as usual, we will put an extra spotlight on water (awareness) in all its facets around the period of World Water Day (22 March). With a new fully-fledged edition of our Fiere Rivieren – Rivières Fières campaign, we are once again bringing together water activities within our project area, across regional borders.
Monitoring visit from LIFE project supervisors
We had our European project supervisors visit us for a monitoring visit. The ideal opportunity for taking a moment to take stock of the project.
Visit of the Interreg project Rural Roadwater Rescue to roadwater projects in Flanders
From 20 to 22 November 2024, Leuven welcomed the partner consortium of the Interreg North-West Europe project Rural Roadwater Rescue (RRR). The three-day programme included a partner meeting, a transnational inspiration afternoon and several visits to Flemish use cases relating to roadwater.
New flood plain ‘Grote Weide’ will improve flood protection in Halle
The Groebengracht receives large amounts of water during heavy rainfall due to runoff from the valley sides and surrounding plots. This regularly led to flooding downstream in Halle. Creating a new flood plain should help prevent this.
The Koningsvijvers and the IJse Valley will be receive clean stormwater from the road by 2025
The Koningsvijvers form a connected chain of 12 ponds. The source region of the river IJse runs through it and feeds this system. The ponds are therefore not only scenic, but also possess cultural and natural value (Natura 2000). To date, rainwater running off the surface of the Brussels ring road is routed directly to the ponds, though that is about to change.
Meander project in Vinkenberg adds ecological value as well as additional buffering capacity
In the past few months, it has rained a great deal, so we were often confronted by very high water levels indeed. In that regard, the reconnection of the meanders in Vinkenberg, which was realised with support from LIFE Belini, is not only providing added value from an ecological perspective, but also in terms of buffering capacity.
Positive changes in biodiversity in floodplains Senne
Several temporary floodplains have already been constructed as part of our LIFE Belini project. These areas not only provide additional water storage during heavy rainfall, but also offer new opportunities for biodiversity. This became clear in the past few months during various audits