Vrieselhof

The Vrieselhof is a provincial Park (97 ha) in the municipality of Ranst (Oelegem). It was bought by te province of Antwerp in 1974. The Vrieselhof is situated in the valley of the river Schijn and has exceptional natural and landscape value. The park is protected in several ways. Large part of the Vrieselhof belongs to the Flemisch Ecological Network (VEN). It has valuable wet valley-forests, old oak-beech forest and very rare grassland-types. It is also a protected landscape because of the combination of natural, historical and esthetic values.
The Vrieselhof can be divided in two parts: a park area in the surroundings of the castle and a nature area along the river Schijn. In the park area the heritage and social functions are most important. Historical buildings as the castle, the former coach house and the the old pigeon tower are situated in a park with grasslands, a large pond, old park forest and a small heathland area. The castle houses the offices of several nature or landscape related organisations. The former coach house is a restaurant. Also military relics as bomb pits, trenches and bunkers are present.
In the nature area, valuable wet valley-forests, old oak-beech forest and very rare grassland-types can be found. Major works to improve the nature quality will be done in the next years.
The Vrieselhof is a nice place for walking, jogging and enjoying nature. Many children follow educational programs for schools and each spring there is a large plant market.