Mineral extraction vs Ecology working group excursion

10.00h: meeting place Parking “Aen ‘t Venne”, Kikmolenstraat 3, 3630 MaasmechelenTravel in group to entrance of “Kikbeekgroeve”.

Introduction to former Sibelco sand pit and its evolution after closure by Isaac Berwouts (Sibelco).

Walking trip exposing silversand, Kikbeek lignite, pedogenetic quartzite, cryoturbations and polygonal soils, Usselo and Bolling soils, groundwater level changes & gravel counting and geotourism, guided by Dany Van Uytven (LIKONA-Geolim, NPHK ranger) & Roland Dreesen (LIKONA-Geolim, Geological Survey of Belgium)

Afternoon: visit to surrounding geosites, travel by car, completion of programme depending on time:
– Neerharerheide : largest groundwater-fed heathland area of Flanders (in combination with Ziepbeek valley),
– Opglabbekerzavel, with”stuifzandforten” and “wintereikenhakhoutstoven”,
– Oudsberg, highest inland dune of Flanders,
– Cryopediment at Bosbeek and Caelenhaag,
– Kasteelhoeve “De Litzberg” with 37 m deep but dry water well.