The site includes the Ziepobeek and the Asbeek valleys, which hold very important areas of wet and dry heath and fen, coniferous and deciduous woodland, and a small bog.
Key biodiversity
A breeding area for heathland and woodland species.
Pressure/threats to key biodiversity
2,106 ha of IBA covered by proposed Site of Community Importance (Melchelse heide en vallei van de Ziepbeek, 2,371 ha).
Protected areas
National Partial International High545 ha of IBA covered by State Nature Reserve (Melchelse Heide, 545 ha). 161 ha of IBA covered by State Nature Reserve (Vallei van de Ziepbeek, 161 ha). 2,350 ha of IBA covered by Special Protection Area (Melchelse Heide en Vallei van de Ziepbeek, 2,350 ha).
