Viewpoint Grayless Creek - Zandvoorde

This viewpoint on the Grauweloze creek offers a view of the Ostend creeks.

The creeks were formed during the flooding phase around the siege of Ostend (1601-1604) because the dunes east of Ostend were breached. Periodic flooding deposited a thin layer of clay on the former tidal deposits. After the siege of Ostend, the flooded parts were poldered back, but in order to keep the harbour channel open, so-called flushing polders were needed to guarantee sufficient water dynamics (otherwise the channel would silt up). At present, the creeks are no longer directly connected to the sea.

The Zoutekreek and Sluiskreek contain brackish water which brings with it a typical flora. In addition, the vast water surfaces of the creeks still have a natural bank profile with typical reed vegetation which is of great importance for the avifauna. The large water surfaces give a great aesthetic value to the area. Near the Zoute Kreek there is still an anti-tank ditch . There are some valuable farms .

Willem Vandenameele