#01. Blankaart-Merkembroek

Discover how Flanders strengthens open space for agriculture, nature, and forests. Step by step towards more beautiful landscapes with more nature and forests.

During this walk, you will become acquainted with the spatial implementation plan Blankaart-Merkembroek. (Also discover the other walks of Step by Step)

The Blankaart has been a recognized nature reserve since 1959. The area enjoys European protection as a Natura 2000 area and is part of the Ramsar area 'Blankaart and IJzerbroeken'. The management of this nature reserve is in the hands of Natuurpunt, while the Agency for Nature and Forest is responsible for the management of the extensive IJzerbroeken behind it.

The name Blankaart refers to 'being underwater'. Water is therefore the central theme of this area. You are at the lowest point of the IJzer valley. In the center of the area lies the Blankaart pond, a man-made reminder of former peat extraction. Surrounding the pond are extensive reedlands, swamp forests, smaller bodies of water, and polder grasslands.

The wet hay meadows and grazing fields provide an excellent habitat for thousands of meadow, reed, and water birds throughout the year. The area serves as an important resting point for migratory birds.

Since the 1970s, general drying has led to lower water levels, resulting in damage to natural values. The Flemish government has brought together various land users and authorities to restore and strengthen the natural values in this area.

In 2009, the Flemish government re-designated more than 600 hectares of agricultural land as nature reserve to combat fragmentation. Drying is being addressed with a nature management project focused on restoring the reed marsh complex by raising the water level. Once a solution for the remaining farmers through the land bank is available, the optimal water level for nature will be set.

The walking route also leads you around the Watergroep's storage reservoir. This octagonal storage reservoir has the size of 120 football fields (60 ha). It can hold 3 million m³ of water, more than enough to provide 1/3 of the coastal province with drinking water on peak days.

This water is pumped from the IJzer and surrounding streams and is processed into tasty and healthy drinking water in the water production center next to the storage reservoir.

The Flemish government, the province of West Flanders, and Natuurpunt are committed to nature experiences. They facilitate this with a visitor center, an extensive walking network, and the construction of four unique lookout towers. Their design reflects the soaring reeds that are so prominently present in this area.

The hike in short

The route departs through the park at Blankaart Castle and crosses the reed marsh complex around the Blankaart pond. You will reach the hamlet of Vijfhuizen and then the octagonal drinking water storage reservoir that you will walk around in a clockwise direction. About halfway, you will arrive at one of the lookout towers that gives you a view of the IJzer valley. At the entrance of the water production center, you turn left and follow the signposted Blankaart walking route again via Noordbroekstraat. You pass the Sport Vlaanderen center of Woumen and walk through the paths in the grasslands back to the visitor center in Blankaart Castle.

Want to know more:

- RUP Blankaart-Merkembroek (Department of Environment website)
- https://www.west-vlaanderen.be/domeinen/blankaart 
- https://www.natuurpunt.be/natuurgebied/de-blankaart
- https://www.dewatergroep.be/nl-be/over-de-watergroep/infrastructuur/de-blankaart/masterplan-de-blankaart

Sources: 
Natuurpunt, province of West Flanders, Department of Environment, De Watergroep

Did you find this interesting? Also discover the other walks of 'Step by Step to more beautiful landscapes with more nature and forests'.

(The routes have been mapped out with care. If you notice a mistake or have suggestions for improvement, let us know at agnas@vlaanderen.be)