Grenspark Kalmthoutse Heide, a recognized three-star quiet area, hosted the first edition of the 'Night of the Night' on Saturday, October 24, and the 'Day of Silence' on Sunday, October 25. Numerous visitors enjoyed a varied program highlighting the significance of silence and darkness, in collaboration with regional partners.
The Karrenmuseum in Essen exceptionally opened its doors on Saturday evening for an intimate concert featuring harpist Laura De Jongh and special guest Jan Boudart on nyckelharpa and banjo. The fifty available tickets sold out quickly, creating a magical atmosphere in the thatched-roof barn.
During the 'Night of the Night', ecologist Kees Vreeburg at Stichting Titurel guided about forty attendees into the world of bats and night birds. Visitors could also discover creative works made by day-care participants and listen to stories and poems.
On Sunday, father and son Walter and Joris De Raedt shared insights from their book Vogel, Nest en Ei (Bird, Nest, and Egg) with over a hundred visitors at the De Vroente visitor center, using images, videos, and personal stories about their fieldwork.
Several silence and meditation walks invited visitors to slow down and observe more consciously. During a meditative silent walk with IVN guide Bram Terleede, participants ventured into the Kleine Meer nature reserve, and at Arboretum Kalmthout, 25 participants explored the surrounding sounds.
Visit Kalmthout also organized two silent walks in the three-star quiet area, where young and old discovered what makes this nature reserve unique. At Holistisch Centrum OM, participants could open their senses through meditation.
Fourteen young people combined nature experience with conservation by working alongside IVN and Natuurpunt during a nature management activity.
The high interest and numerous encounters made this weekend a successful first edition. The initiative underscores the value of collaboration on ecologically and socially important themes like silence and darkness, which are essential for human well-being and nature.
