Meylemeersch – Mijlemeers

What whispers does the wind carry through the reeds of Meylemeersch – Mijlemeers? This nature reserve, nestled in Anderlecht, Brussels, holds a secret history. Meylemeersch – Mijlemeers, also known as Mijlemeers, sits on the edge of the city. It borders the Vogelzangbeek, a small stream that separates Brussels from the Flemish municipality of Sint-Pieters-Leeuw. Meylemeersch – Mijlemeers wasn’t always a haven for wildlife. Old maps from the 1770s show a rural landscape dotted with a few buildings. By the mid-19th century, a small hamlet called Meilemersch existed here. The area remained rural until the latter half of the 20th century. Then, in the 1970s, the landscape changed dramatically. The Erasmus Campus of the ULB (Universitu00e9 libre de Bruxelles) and later, the Erasmus Hospital, were built, transforming the area. Further industrialization followed, bringing with it more buildings and businesses. Today, Meylemeersch – Mijlemeers is a blend of nature and development. The heart of the area is a 7-hectare nature reserve, a vital green space in the valley of the Vogelzangbeek. This reserve provides a home for a diverse range of flora and fauna, including one of the few rook colonies in the Brussels Region. These intelligent birds build their nests in the tall trees overlooking the open grasslands. Their calls echo through the reserve, a reminder of the wild heart of Meylemeersch – Mijlemeers. Beyond the nature reserve, the area continues to evolve. The ULB campus and Erasmus Hospital are integral parts of the community. They stand as a testament to the changes that have shaped Meylemeersch – Mijlemeers over the years. This area, once a quiet hamlet, now plays a vital role in the life of the city. It offers a unique blend of nature and human activity. It is a place where the whispers of the past mingle with the sounds of the present.