Friday 8 March saw the opening of 'Ommetje Blok en Broek' by the Gilze and Rijen Nature and Landscape Association (NLGR) at restaurant Stad Parijs in Hulten, amid great interest. The 4.7 km diversions was created in cooperation between NLGR, Gilze and Rijen municipality and Interest Group Hulten iDOP. Alderman Aletta van der Veen of Gilze and Rijen municipality unveiled the welcome sign of the diversions.

Blok and Broek
The diversions is named after 'Het Blok', the forest area south of Hulten, and 'Het Broek', the agricultural landscape on the north side of the village. The diversions starts from Stad Parijs and, after crossing the busy Rijksweg (N282), takes you through the green outskirts of Hulten and Rijen.

Apart from forest and farmland, the area has a rich history. The traces of World War II are still visible in 'The Block'. An old bunker, remnants of shelters for people who worked here and ammunition stores remind you of wartime. With a bit of luck, you will also spot a barn owl or little owl along the way. Indeed, the inhabitants of Hulten are very hospitable to these little owls.

The leaflet of the diversions is available at Stad Paris restaurant, Rijksweg 6 in Hulten or can be downloaded directly here.