Bourgoyen-Ossemeersen

Bourgoyen-Ossemeersen is a 230-hectare nature reserve in Mariakerke, Ghent, characterized by meadows that flood seasonally. A network of ditches and canals runs through the area and provides habitat for numerous water birds year-round.

The Valkenhuis building in the center of the reserve was once a training facility for falconers who worked for the Counts of Flanders in past centuries. This connection to falconry shows how the area has been linked to birds for a long time.

The reserve serves as a space where visitors can discover local wildlife and their habitats through guided experiences. The Jan Hublé center offers exhibitions that help people understand how the ecosystem functions and why these waters matter for birds.

The reserve has three marked walking trails that guide visitors through the landscape. The Meerskant path was specially designed for people with mobility or visual limitations, making the area accessible to everyone.

Large flocks of wigeon, teal, and shoveler ducks arrive to spend the winter here, while cormorant colonies stay year-round at the western edge. These bird populations make the reserve a remarkable destination for those interested in observing waterfowl.