Ryckevelde

Ryckevelde is a large park spanning three municipalities near Bruges with mixed forests of beech, oak, and coniferous trees across its grounds. The park features an educational walking trail, children's play areas, and a nature reserve within its boundaries.

The park developed on ancient sand ridges created during the last ice age that shaped the terrain. Its name comes from the word rycke, which refers to these geological formations.

The park contains a nature reserve where local plant species thrive through traditional grazing practices. Visitors walking through can observe how grazing animals help maintain the health of native vegetation.

The park has marked paths for dogs and a wheelchair-accessible trail making it easy to explore different areas. Plan to spend several hours here as there are multiple zones to visit including the nature reserve and play areas.

The park contains a heath landscape maintained through natural grazing by sheep and goats rather than mechanical cutting. Visitors can observe this traditional land management approach while walking through the reserve.