Nature class on the tracks.

Forgotten from a bygone era, the little wagon stands lonely on the railway embankment. The tracks disappear under blooming herbs and bushes. It was an old wish of the nature team: every railway needs a wagon. It was more than a whim; the wagon serves as a shelter, a classroom, and a small visitor center. Classes from nearby Waregem and Zulte come here to explore nature.

Getting the wagon in place is a story in itself. Even an old pair from the NMBS at the price of scrap metal was still far too expensive. Finally, Natuurpunt Waregem-Zulte found a suitable specimen in the railway museum of Maldegem, a Polish wagon, completely rusted. Transporting the 12-ton thing over the tracks was not allowed; a trailer brought it to the nearby Koestraat, and a heavy forklift finally placed it on the tracks.

More than a thousand working hours have been spent refurbishing the wagon. Volunteers tackled the rust with steel brushes and sandpaper. Everything was done by hand, as there is no electricity here. The vehicle received an appropriate dark green color. The interior also needed to be completely renewed. Sponsors provided materials for a new floor, painting, walls, and ceiling. A local carpenter installed the walls for free, the ceiling was renewed, and the wagon was fully insulated. Even the original train benches received a makeover. Inside, there is a small exhibition with explanations about the surroundings. The room is suitable for nature classes: analyzing owl pellets, identifying plants, or simply to hold lessons. In the nearby "Slekkeput," children can catch bugs and study them here.

DenDeezen