Natuurdomein Ter Heide — Attraction in Rotselaar

A Disgrace to Nature – Dirty, Noisy, Unsafe, and Mismanaged

Date of Visit: 1 May 2025

What was once a beautiful lake has now effectively turned into a slurry of filth. Based on what I observed, it appears that staff washed a jumping platform that was thickly coated in avian feces and flushed the waste into the lake. While I cannot confirm it with certainty, this is the most plausible explanation for the overwhelming presence of bird excrement in the water.

This is not only disgusting—it’s dangerous. Avian influenza remains a serious global issue that has caused massive economic losses, harmed animal welfare, and continues to occupy the focus of political leaders and health authorities. Bird droppings are a well-known transmission risk, and yet here they are seemingly treated with total indifference.

To make matters worse, swimming is forbidden in the cleaner parts of the lake, while visitors are confined to the dirtiest section, where the water is visibly contaminated. It’s a disturbing contradiction and highlights the sheer lack of concern for public health and safety.

And all this for an entrance fee of €80 / €9?

The lake has become a slurry, not a swimming spot.

Noisy, disrespectful groups—often unsupervised youths—dominate the area.

There is open cannabis use, shouting, and unruly behavior with zero oversight.

The atmosphere is hostile to older people, who may feel unsafe or harassed. The place does nothing to protect them—it’s a clear case of ageism through neglect.

Meanwhile, the staff seem only interested in controlling where and when you’re allowed to swim. Hygiene, order, noise control, and guest safety? Completely ignored.

For the high entrance price, visitors should be able to expect:

Clean and safe water

Peaceful enjoyment of nature

Basic enforcement of rules and public health standards

Respect and safety for all ages

What you get instead is a chaotic, overpriced, and potentially hazardous environment. This place could be a gem—but at present, it’s an embarrassment to nature and a failure...

Unfortunately, too noisy on most days. The disrespectful visitors do disservice to the otherwise nice place. Very high entrance fee. The only thing that the staff does is to control visitors where they swim and what time they swim!!! Staff does not take care of the hygiene, noise, etc. - too many noisy, unhygienic and disrespectful youngsters! For the high entrance fee I expect peace, hygiene (meaning checking that visitors don't rinse used diapers, etc. in the lake, rather then harassing visitors to wear masks!!). Moreover for this high entrance fee I also expect the freedom to swim when and...

Wonderful swimming place with grass and sand beach. Perfect on a sunny day for all ages. 5€ (2.5€ for cyclists) is on the expensive side but then you also get a clean beach, an undeep kids area and lifeguards guaranteeing your safety. Free open air cold showers at the exit for getting rid of that nasty last...