Prime location to receive swallows.
Close to the Dender in Denderbelle, not far from the lock crossing, you can see a large dovecote. This swallow cage was placed by Waterwegen en Zeekanaal. The swallowtail was planted here because of the major works on the nearby lock. The lock has to be adapted, because the Dender will be widened and deepened, so that heavier ships can sail. But due to the adjustments to the lock, the current lock houses will also have to disappear and that is not good news for the house martins.
For years the birds have made their nests against the facades of those buildings. Swallows are protected birds and very homeless. Due to the disappearance of their nesting location, the habitat of the swallow is seriously disturbed. An alternative is therefore provided to give them the opportunity to continue to live and breed in the area. The Waterways & Sea Canal Service and the Scheldt-Durme Regional Landscape hope that the swallows will find a new home at the swallow hut before the lock houses disappear. Swallow sounds are played on the dovecote to lure them to a new location. Hopefully they will find the right way to their new hotel.
Tip: Take some time and enjoy the swallows' aerial acrobatics on summer evenings.
Swallows are champions of eating insects.
More information on the information board at the Zwaluwhotel.