The heath lands were vital for agriculture for many centuries. Sheep that provided fertile fertilizer could graze there. The heath stretched as far as the eye reached. By the invention of artificial fertilizer, however, the heath became redundant and these lands were cultivated or afforested. The Aalsterheide hike is all about the former heath land that has been planted with coniferous trees for the last 100 years. With the exception of a single piece here and there, all heath has disappeared here. We wish you lots of hiking pleasure.