Whittering, an art form that seamlessly blends nature and culture, is an ingenious irrigation system where grasslands (water meadows) are nourished with nutrient-rich river water. Using gravity and a thoughtful network of ditches and sluices, water flows over the meadows, creating a lush grass landscape.
The water meadows, with their characteristic ridge-shaped beds, are crisscrossed by ditches with upper and lower sluices that bring in and drain off the river water. The water slowly seeps over the beds, allowing nutrients and minerals to penetrate deep into the soil, transforming poor sandy soil into an oasis of fertility.
Tip! Follow the 6 km long informative walk that explains the irrigated meadows.
An Annual Ritual
Each year, at the beginning of March, the Grote Watering comes to life as preparations for whittering begin. Volunteers, driven by their passion for heritage, meticulously clean the upper and lower sluices so that water can flow smoothly. The upper rakes, the raised parts of the beds, are also carefully prepared to ensure optimal irrigation.
Unique Ecosystem
The water meadows of the Grote Watering are more than an aesthetic masterpiece. They form a unique ecosystem where rare plants and animals thrive. The calcareous Maas water flows life through the veins of the water meadows, creating a habitat for countless organisms that depend on this mineral-rich environment.
Ode to Tradition
Whittering is more than an agricultural technique; it is a living heritage that has been passed down through generations. The close-knit community of volunteers is dedicated to preserving this centuries-old tradition with heart and soul. They share their knowledge and passion with future generations, ensuring that whittering continues to flourish in Lommel-Kolonie.
In 2023, UNESCO recognized the centuries-old agricultural technique "whittering" as Intangible Cultural Heritage, thus securing the future of "whittering".
