Kalkense Meersen, Nature reserve along River Scheldt in East Flanders, Belgium.
Kalkenske Meersen is a wetland area spanning roughly 950 hectares along the Scheldt River, with meadows, reed beds, streams, and ditches forming interconnected water zones. The landscape contains diverse habitats that shift from open grassland to denser vegetation.
The wetland developed over centuries through the Scheldt River's interaction with its floodplains and natural sedimentation. This long relationship between water and land shaped the landscape we see today.
The meadows are managed by farmers using traditional mowing methods that have shaped the landscape for centuries. This way of working remains visible in how the land looks today.
The reserve is crossed by around 18 kilometers of marked walking and cycling routes, with parking available at Vaartplein in Kalken. The flat terrain makes access straightforward, and signs help guide you through the area.
The wetlands act as a giant sponge, absorbing water during storm tides and heavy rains to protect nearby communities from flooding. This natural buffering role is crucial for managing water levels across the area.
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