The area is one of the last remaining large-scale alluvial meadow complexes in Flanders.
Traditional 'bolle akkers' (arched fields) were formed by farmers spreading stable manure and earth on fields over hundreds of years to improve drainage.
The meadows function as a 'polder' or controlled flooding zone, designed to absorb excess water from the Scheldt during extreme storm surges.
Kalkense Meersen is designated as a European Birds Directive area to protect sensitive nesting populations.
The local 'Scheldt meander' creates unique soil conditions that support specialized marshland flora.
Galloway cattle are utilized year-round to graze the meadows, preventing the area from becoming overgrown with scrub and trees.
Kalkense Meersen is a vast 800-hectare alluvial meadow landscape located in the Scheldt valley between Wetteren, Wichelen, and Laarne. The area is part of the Sigma Plan, serving as a controlled flooding zone to protect the region from rising water levels while simultaneously creating unique wetland habitats. It consists of a mosaic of wet grasslands, ditches, ponds, and small forest patches. It is a critical habitat for meadow birds, including the black-tailed godwit and the northern lapwing. A system of walking and cycling paths traverses the meadows, often following the meanders of the Scheldt River. The landscape is characterized by its historical 'bolle akkers,' which are raised, slightly arched fields created by centuries of traditional farming techniques. Grazing cattle, such as Galloways, are used as part of the nature management strategy to maintain the open structure of the vegetation.
The elevated paths near the Scheldt riverbanks offering panoramic views over the wet grasslands.
Wear waterproof, sturdy boots, as the paths can be extremely muddy, especially after rainfall.
Bring binoculars for birdwatching, as the meadows offer wide-open views for spotting migratory and nesting species.
Check local flood alerts before visiting, as heavy rain may cause paths within the flood zones to be restricted.
Attempting to cross the meadows off-trail, as the deep ditches and marshy ground can be dangerous and damage the habitat.
Keep dogs on a leash at all times to protect ground-nesting birds; stay on marked paths to avoid damaging the sensitive vegetation.
