The name suggests it: duck decoys were built to catch wild ducks for consumption. A duck decoy is a pond surrounded by a ‘decoy forest’ and long catch pipes in every corner. The catch was a combination of tame barn ducks and a brown decoy dog (which looked like a fox because of its colour). The decoy man chased the ducks to the end of the catch pipe, where they were caught in nets. Although there are many duck decoys in the Netherlands, this is indeed a Flemish invention. The duck decoy in Meetkerke (from the 16th century) is one of the few remaining examples. Of course, the duck decoy is no longer used for hunting.

One of the catch pipes was recently completely restored, a special piece of history restored to its former glory! The duck decoy of Meetkerke is located in a beautiful part of the Flemish nature reserve: the Meetkerkse Moeren. You can easily find the hidden spot via the Meetkerkse Moeren walking route!

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Location: Zuienkerke, Bruges, West Flanders, Flanders, Belgium

Duck Decoy of Meetkerke

1. Moerstraat (Zuienkerke) – Duck Decoy of Meetkerke loop from Stalhille

2. Ghent–Ostend Canal – Moerstraat (Zuienkerke) loop from Sint-Pieters

3. View of Molenweg – Ghent–Ostend Canal loop from Meetkerke

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