The Wal-Swine of Moes-Castle: a bird paradise

Attention: I received the following information from M@xi: Currently, a part of the route is closed due to large-scale works. Information boards have been placed at walking junctions 152 and 148 that propose an alternative route.

Park at the Saint Ursmarus Church in Baasrode and the ferry between Baasrode and Moerzeke takes you to what will become a new Serengeti: the new floodplain Wal-Zwijn of nearly 200 ha.

https://www.vlaamsewaterweg.be/veerdiensten

The Wal-Zwijn is located along the Scheldt in Hamme and is partly developed as a controlled flood area (GOG) and partly reclaimed. A smaller part, the Groot Schoor, is being reclaimed, allowing tidal nature to develop.

The GOG Wal-Zwijn is closely linked to that of Vlassenbroek. In the case of extremely high water levels, Wal-Zwijn is submerged first, followed by Vlassenbroek. In the sub-areas Grote Wal, Kleine Wal, and Zwijn, mudflats and salt marshes are developing.

In the sub-area Groot Schoor, the ebb and flow of the tide is allowed to act freely, creating rare tidal nature. Not only countless plants and animals can enjoy this, but humans also find peace in the unique natural environment of Wal-Zwijn. The ferry in Moerzeke-Mariekerke and Sint-Amands-Moerzeke quickly transports walkers and cyclists from inhabited areas to the floodplain.

By 2023, the Wal-Zwijn will be completed. This area will undoubtedly be counted among the hotspots for birds.

Kastel, a district of Hamme, is surrounded by the Scheldt meander right in the middle of our walking area. Kastel, together with the neighboring district of Moerzeke ('Moes'), can be described as Moes-Kastel.