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Campine

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description Campine Overview

The Campine (Dutch: Kempen) is a sandy lowland region spanning northeastern Belgium and the southern Netherlands, historically dominated by heathlands, moors, and wetlands. Its nutrient-poor soils long limited intensive agriculture, supporting sheep grazing and common land use. Parts of the region were converted to forest or industrial use in the 19th and 20th centuries, while remaining areas preserve heathland habitats.

help Campine FAQ

Where is the Campine region?

Campine, called Kempen in Dutch, spans northeastern Belgium and parts of the southern Netherlands. It includes areas around Antwerp and North Brabant rather than being a single town or protected park.

What did Campine look like historically?

Its sandy, nutrient-poor soils supported large areas of heath, moor and wetland, with limited intensive farming. Places such as Kalmthoutse Heide and Kampina preserve parts of that landscape today ([Bosland National Park](https://www.nationaalparkbosland.be/over/rijke-cultuurhistorie/ontstaan-landschap/59/)).

Why were sheep important in Campine?

Village flocks grazed the heath for centuries, keeping scrub and trees from taking over and providing wool and manure. Manure-rich sod and heath material were used in the plaggen system to improve poor sandy fields.

Is Campine a heath or a region?

Campine is the name of a natural region, while heathland is one of its main historic landscape types. The Dutch name Kempen and the Belgian-Dutch border location are useful clues when searching maps.

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