Attractions and Places To See around Donkmeer - Top 11

Besides herons, you can spot many other (water) birds there. We saw herons, ducks, moorhens, storks, pheasants, and many more.

The Butterfly Garden at Donkmeer in Berlare is a subtle yet valuable tribute to biodiversity. Unlike tropical butterfly cages, this garden is an open, natural space that, with a few targeted interventions, has been transformed into a true butterfly paradise. Here, numerous native butterfly species flutter freely among colorful flowers and nectar plants, which provide not only food but also shelter.

The Donkmeer in Overmere is not just a picturesque body of water; it is a silent witness to centuries of labor and human perseverance. This area was once a vast peatland, where peat – dried peat used as fuel – was extracted by hand. This peat extraction shaped the landscape: deep pits were created where the peat had been removed, and these later filled with water, creating the Donkmeer. On the shore of the lake stands the bronze Turfstekerstandbeeld (Peat Cutter Statue), a powerful tribute to the men who performed this work. The statue, made by Michel Peleman, depicts a peat cutter in action – bent over his work, with simple clothing and tools. It is a reminder of a time when peat was the main means of heating, and when workers performed heavy manual labor day in and day out for meager wages. While they lived in simple huts around the lake, their bosses made fortunes from the peat trade.

The Donkmeer in Berlare is one of the largest lakes in Flanders and forms the beating heart of a versatile nature and recreation area. Originating from old peat extraction pits, the lake stretches over 86 hectares, of which approximately 30% is protected nature reserve. The area offers a beautiful backdrop of Scheldt nature, with fields, forests, marshes and a rich biodiversity. The Donkmeer is also a popular spot for birdwatchers, with numerous rare bird species residing in and around the water. Along the banks you will find cozy restaurants, including restaurants known for their eel dishes.

The redevelopment of the duck decoy is part of the Berlare Broek-Donkmeer nature development project. This project fits in with the vision of the Berlare municipal council to give the popular Donkmeer and its surroundings a contemporary look. The site of the duck decoy was given a thorough makeover. It was redeveloped with respect for the most vulnerable zones and remains open to the public. (Public space database)

Reserve zone Donkmeer is of regional ornithological importance because of the presence of the only large breeding colony of grey herons in the Scheldt valley between Ghent and Dendermonde. The number of occupied nests in this colony is subject to quite strong fluctuations but has averaged around 60 since 1994. (Durme VZW)

This statue of a peat cutter represents a profession from pre-modern times. In the 17th century, the demand for peat rose, which made the Donkmeer more important. This lake turned out to be one big peat pit. The work as a peat cutter was very intensive. Day in, day out, one had to do heavy manual labor for a meager wage. The bosses, on the other hand, did get rich from the peat that they sold for a lot of money. In contrast to the workers who lived in huts around the lake, the bosses could afford mansions. At that time, there was still no talk of good working conditions and quality work. (Standbeelden.be)

Stop and look up at the treetops: In the alders and ash trees of this mysterious swamp forest you will find a large heron colony. One of the few in this region. They make their nests high up in the trees in large colonies to protect themselves from enemies. Herons like to eat fish. Everyone with an ornamental pond has seen a heron standing stock-still at the edge of the water. But they actually prefer to eat other animals: earthworms, beetles, amphibians and especially moles and mice. The remains of these can be found in the pellets that they spit out around their nests. In this way they keep these populations under control. They breed very early in the year, usually already at the beginning of February. Light blue eggshells that lie here and there under the nests betray the hatching of the young. However, by breeding so early they are very vulnerable to severe winter weather. In the graph you can clearly see that the years with severe winters cause a decline in the population. Spring storms also often wreak havoc in this colony. Then the nests, eggs or even young ones blow out of the trees. Be careful! In the winter half year you have a chance to spot snow-white herons in the area. These are great white egrets. They have not yet bred here, but hopefully in the future. Source: vzw Durme information board on site