Opening nature reserve Het Gulden Land

Come to the festive opening of the redesigned nature reserve and discover what ‘t Gulden Land has to offer. Nature reserve ‘t Gulden Land, between the Kop van Aarle-Rixtel and Helmond-Noord, used to be a wild and difficult to access area. Now the nature reserve is once again a nice place to walk, cycle or run. Prepared also for the future, with an eye on climate change. 

In the afternoon, the area hosts all kinds of activities for young and old. Offered by the organisations involved in ‘t Gulden Land. Pick up the special map and a gift for the day at one of the area's three main entrances. And go explore for yourself!

Redesign of the ‘t Gulden Land nature reserve
In recent years, the municipality of Laarbeek, the municipality of Helmond and the water board Aa en Maas worked intensively together on the redevelopment of the nature reserve. A project that was partly possible thanks to subsidies from the province of North Brabant and Groen Ontwikkelfonds Brabant. With spring in sight, it is time for visitors to find the area again.

We implemented numerous measures in the areas of water, nature, recreation and cultural history. The Aa and the Gulden Aa meander through the landscape again, with the banks sometimes gradually sloping. This provides extra space for the collection and drainage of water during heavy rainfall. We have created ecological connecting zones. In this way, plants and animals can move around safely. In this way, we strengthen biodiversity, which is not only good for nature, but also for visitors. For the visitor, the area has also been made more accessible, by improving and adapting cycling and walking paths and bridges. And with a graphic representation of the ‘t Gulden Huys castle, we pay tribute to the history of the area. 

Festive opening
Alderman Arno Bonte (Helmond municipality), alderman Joan Briels (Laarbeek municipality) and Peter van Dijk (administrator Waterschap Aa en Maas) will open the nature area. Before that, there will be a festive unveiling of an entrance element at the bridge in Aarle. Afterwards, there will be a tour of the area. After the opening, there will be ample opportunity to enjoy the nature reserve. Following the opening, there will be an afternoon programme to immediately get to know the park better:

- At the main entrances, employees of the municipalities and the water board are also happy to explain the redevelopment of the nature reserve. 
- For example, at the edge of the nature reserve, visit information stalls with volunteers from IVN Helmond, Beekeepers Association, Natuurplatform Helmond and Heemkundekring. They will be happy to tell you all kinds of fun facts about nature. Or about the area's rich history. 
- Or go for a walk with the volunteers of IVN Laarbeek. They offer free walking excursions in ‘t Gulden Land that afternoon.
There is also plenty to do for children. 
- For example, search for water creatures together with an ecologist from the water board. 
- Or discover how to combat flooding with IVN Laarbeek's water table. 
- Take part in the nature bingo and write down everything you see in the area. A beaver track, a nesting post or a bank swallow wall? Maybe two charming fairies who would love to paint you pretty.

Want to know more?
For more information about the project or about the opening, visit the website.