Rivierbeek Waardamme

The river bed and banks of the Rivierbeek in Oostkamp and Waardamme are protected as landscape.

The Royal Commission for Monuments and Landscapes (KCML) issued an advisory report in which the scientific and aesthetic value of the Rivierbeek was justified as follows:

Scientific: the scientific value is determined by the freely meandering flow of these waters, a geomorphological phenomenon that is rare in Flanders and almost unique for West Flanders. The meanders are characterized by numerous steep bumpers and soft alluvial banks. In addition, islands were formed in some places by carving.

Aesthetic: Rivierbeek flows through a gently sloping and richly varied landscape with woods, castle parks and low meadows. Typical are the meanders that are unique in terms of both their size and their highly capricious appearance. In addition, the streams in the open areas of the landscape are supervised by poplar rows in many places. Due to the scarcity of disturbing elements, both brooks have also remained remarkably flawless.

During the seventies of the twentieth century plans were made to rectify the waters and fix the banks with concrete slabs, but eventually the choice was made to plant willows to strengthen the banks.

Willem Vandenameele