Bulk landscape

This agricultural landscape is that of a 'bulk area', an agricultural area enclosed by rows of pollard willows whose plots were cultivated within the framework of the exchange or coupling system. This means that after being sown for a number of years, a plot was converted into grassland. In order to keep the cattle within the plots during the grass years, a fence was necessary. Moats bordered with pollard willows and presumably supplemented with a wickerwork of dead wood served as a fence. The term 'bulk' or 'bilk' means enclosed parcel; it is related to 'beluik' and is also found in the name 'Bijloke'. Bulk landscapes in Ghent are always closed landscapes by rows of pollard willows that contrast strongly with the open landscape of the coulters. In many places, the rows of pollard willows in the bulk areas have been cleared away by land consolidation or as a result of an increase in the scale of agriculture. In the area under consideration, the rows of pollard willows are still fairly well preserved, so that the bulk landscape has a relict value. Wetter parts, in the stream valleys, have had a more continuous use as grassland.

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