Six nature reserves to discover in Belgium
During the summer many people go on a trip to the seaside. It is the usual. But Belgium has so much more to offer. Have you heard of the jewels below? Nature lovers won’t be disappointed.
- De Blankaart in Diksmuide
Experiencing nature and culture all in one place? It’s all possible at De Blankaart. Come and pay a visit to Provincial Visitor Centre De Blankaart on the edge of the Yser valley flood plains in Woumen (Diksmuide) and learn all about the local flora and fauna. Fans of the otter will be particularly in their element here. After a visit to the Visitor Centre, a beautiful walk awaits you. With a bit of luck, the water will be high enough and the whisper boat will take you across the marsh!
- Bourgoyen-Ossemeersen in Ghent
You’ll find this beautiful area of nature just outside Ghent. Put your walking boots on or take them off, as this park has a barefoot path. You can get to know different kinds of soil textures in a wholly unique way there. Stomp through mud, water and grass and enjoy the calmness around you.
- The Hobokense Polder in Antwerp
Ever heard of Galloway cows? These genial animals can be admired at the Hobokense Polder in Antwerp. In this area of untouched nature, you’ll find no less than 500 different kinds of plants. Besides Galloways, you’ll also spot frogs, salamanders and herons here. The walk at the Hobokense Polder was chosen as the walk of the year in 2016. All the more reason to try it for yourself now!
- The Molsbroek in Lokeren
Nature lovers in Waasland should hurry along to the Molsbroek in Lokeren. In this marshland area, you can spend hours gazing at wild waterfowl, river dunes and grassland. The nature doesn’t stop here, as the Molsbroek is close to De Buylaers, the Verloren Bos and the Bospark. Tip: you can pick up a free guided walk on the first Sunday of every month.
- De Liereman between Oud-Turnhout and Arendonk
One of Belgium’s oldest nature reserves can still surprise us today. With no less than six different walks, there’s something for everyone in the landscape of De Liereman. Set off on a walk by yourself or arrange a guide to explore the area. You can head for the Visitor Centre afterwards for a bite and a drink. Watch out for special bird species such as the curlew and the nightjar during your walk.
- De Zwarte Beek in Beringen
At 1,300 hectares, De Zwarte Beek is one of the largest nature reserves in Flanders. This valley is noted for its extreme variety of landscapes. Boggy valley brooks or bone-dry sand dunes? De Zwarte Beek has it all! For the more daring, there’s the ‘prikkelpad’ (stimulation path), which puts visitors in touch with nature in a completely new way.
