De Blikken - Nature

The De Blikken nature area lies between Oostburg, Groede and Nieuwvliet. It is a peaceful, bird-rich meadow reserve with grasslands, small creeks, ponds and old ditches.

What can you expect at De Blikken?

• Bird-rich meadow reserve: De Blikken is a watery nature area of around 45 hectares, with green meadows and a striking pattern of winding creeks and drainage ditches.
• Historic landscape: The varied relief of the landscape was created during the Eighty Years’ War, when the area was deliberately flooded. Creeks and height differences were formed by the ebb and flow of the tides, and these are still clearly visible today.
• Plenty of birds: In winter, wigeons, white-fronted geese and barnacle geese can often be seen here. In spring, meadow birds such as lapwings and black-tailed godwits breed in the area. Avocets, black-headed gulls, common terns and sometimes even black-winged stilts also feel at home here.
• Beautiful flora: Among the grasslands, you will find plants such as white clover, crested dog’s-tail and meadow barley. Thanks to grazing by large herbivores, the area remains open, giving plants, insects and birds more space.

Practical information

De Blikken is especially attractive for peace seekers, bird lovers and cyclists who want to stop for a moment and enjoy a beautiful view over the Zeeland polder landscape. Thanks to the open grasslands, water and many birds, the area is worth visiting in every season.

• Two birdwatching hides: The birdwatching hides Hof van Scheerens and De Sluiswachter are located in the area. From both hides, you have open views over the pools, muddy edges and grasslands.
• Parking: Parking is available at the foot of the Ringdijk. From the car park, you walk between earth banks and hawthorn hedges towards the two birdwatching hides.
• Peaceful walk: It is not a large walking area, but it is a lovely short nature stop during a cycling or driving route through West Zeeuws-Vlaanderen.

Visit De Blikken for a short, peaceful nature experience full of birds, water and Zeeland-Flemish history.

Furthermore De Blikken is near the following sights: Het Zoete Pèèrd (±2,1 km), Horse Holiday Stables in Oostburg (±2,2 km), Funbikes Nieuwvliet (±2,4 km), Church of Nieuwvliet (±2,4 km) & Museum House 1912 (±2,4 km).

For information

Ringdijk, Groede
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