ゾンネベーケの湖・トップ20

Two corrections: Contrary to what the original name of this highlight stated, you are not in the Begelen domain (which is located in Gullegem, about 25 km from here), but in the Palingbeek domain. And, contrary to what another user here stated, this was not previously a mining area (in the sense of a mining area), but an area scarred by mines and bombs during the First World War.

The Bergelen Provincial Estate in Wevelgem developed around a 10-hectare artificial sand extraction pit. The sand was used for the construction of the E403 (A17) motorway in the early 1970s. The municipality purchased this pit and surrounding land between 1989 and 1995. Various planting activities and numerous management works (reprofiling the banks, creating a water berm, building observation huts and walls, creating walking paths, constructing a bat shelter, digging ponds, etc.) were carried out by the municipal council. This created a small but very interesting nature reserve. In 1996, the farm and the 29 hectares of surrounding agricultural land were purchased by the province, and large parts of the newly acquired area were afforested. In 1999, the province entered into a lease with the municipality for the management of the Bergelen pit and its surroundings. This created the Bergelen Provincial Estate, which currently covers an area of 47 hectares. The Heulebeek stream flows along and through the estate, still following a largely natural course there. You'll also find the Bulskamphoeve, first mentioned in Gullegem in 1549. It's a historic farmstead whose horseshoe-shaped buildings are situated within the ramparts. The farmstead was destroyed several times during wartime and subsequently rebuilt or renovated. The current building is believed to date from 1775. A protected monument, the Meiboom, also stands in the area. This is a group of six lime trees with a large iron cross in the center. Source: wevelgem.be

Beautiful nature, lots of explanation about the region along various information boards.

An interesting anecdote concerns the explosion of one of the mines on 17 July 1955 by lightning. This mine had not been detonated during the war and was still underground. The explosion created a new crater and reminded the local population of the lasting impact of the war.

The Spanbroekmolen crater, also known as the Pool of Peace, is an impressive mine crater in Wijtschate. This crater was formed on June 7, 1917, during the Second Battle of Messines, when British troops detonated 19 underground mines. The explosion created a crater 27 meters deep and 129 meters in diameter. After nearly 100 years of erosion, the crater is now a peaceful pool 12 meters deep and 76 meters in diameter.

An interesting anecdote concerns the battles around the pond during the war. Soldiers used the pond as a natural barrier and shelter. There are stories of soldiers wading through the water at night to reach enemy lines, which gave the pond strategic significance.

large spaces to run with your dog (on a leash)

The domain, once a mining site, is now an oasis of greenery with well-maintained footpaths that wind through forests, meadows and past tranquil ponds. The area is known for its rich biodiversity. During your walk you will be treated to the sound of birds and the view of the water, especially in spring and summer.