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)

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DirkWi

April 4, 2024

Hiking

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 …

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Dirk & Charlotte

September 14, 2025

Hiking

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

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View of Donkmeer – Donkmeer loop from Overmere

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#2.

View of Donkmeer – Donkmeer loop from Dendermonde

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#3.

Berlarebroek Nature Reserve – Donkmeer loop from Scheldt

12.2km

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Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Moderate

Details

Informations

Elevation 50 m

Weather

Tuesday 24 March

13°C

2°C

83 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 22.0 km/h

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Take Me There

Location: Berlare, Dendermonde, East Flanders, Flanders, Belgium

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Heron colony at Donkmeer Nature Reserve

#1.

View of Donkmeer – Donkmeer loop from Overmere

#2.

View of Donkmeer – Donkmeer loop from Dendermonde

#3.

Berlarebroek Nature Reserve – Donkmeer loop from Scheldt

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