Fort van Beieren, Military fort and nature reserve near Koolkerke, Belgium.
Fort van Beieren is a fortification with a square ground plan featuring four bastions, earthen ramparts, and a moat enclosing a central courtyard with a ravelin. The 26-hectare site is crisscrossed by walking trails that connect to surrounding woods and wetland networks near the Damse Vaart channel.
French forces built this fortification in the early 18th century during the War of Spanish Succession to defend Bruges from attacks originating in the Northern Netherlands. Its extended period as private property allowed natural processes to gradually reshape the site and create ecological change.
The site functions today as a recreational space where visitors walk among historical military structures embedded in the landscape. The preserved fortifications frame how people experience both history and nature in a single place.
Explore the site on foot using well-marked trails that pass through wooded and wet areas. Wear sturdy shoes as the ground can become muddy, especially after rain, and the paths wind through natural terrain.
Rare butterfly species and specialized waterbirds inhabit the grounds because private ownership long protected it from disturbance. This role as a refuge for specific wildlife makes it notable for nature watchers.
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