Herentals (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Herentals will restore the Beguinage orchard, guided by pomological research. Alderman Pascal Van Nueten confirmed historic fruit varieties’ return, with new trees planted in autumn 2026 at this UNESCO World Heritage site.
As VRT News reported, the city of Herentals, in the province of Antwerp, Belgium, has announced plans to restore the orchard in the Beguinage. The site, known for its apple and pear trees, is in poor condition after years of decline. The city wants to bring the orchard back to life and has chosen pomological research to guide the project. This research focuses on fruit.
“Some trees are no longer healthy and need to be replaced,”
says Alderman for the Environment Pascal Van Nueten (N-VA).
What fruit varieties will return to Herentals restores Beguinage Orchard 2026?
Experts from the National Orchard Foundation collected samples from the trees last week. Their study will identify which apple and pear varieties are still present and which are missing. Based on the results, new trees will be added.
Alderman Van Nueten confirmed that old varieties such as Reine des Reinettes, Boskoop, Eisdener Klumpke, and Clapp’s Favourite will return to the orchard.
“Our aim is to create a place where our residents can enjoy a good piece of fruit.”
Ships Pascal Van Nueten (N-VA)
The project aims to blend preservation with public use by offering residents access to these historic fruits in a shared green space. Van Nueten explained that the orchard will remain open to the community, allowing passersby to pick and taste the fruit. New trees are scheduled for planting in the autumn of next year.
The Beguinage of Herentals was established in the 13th century. It was for beguines, women who led a religious life without making an official commitment. The orchard helped to contribute to their austere lifestyle and was significant both for food and for trading groceries for centuries.
After the last beguine left in the 1970s, the site gradually lost its function and the orchard declined. In 1998, the Beguinage was added to the UNESCO World Heritage list, recognising its cultural and historical value.
