Attractions and Places To See in Uitkerkse Polder - Top 13

Uitkerkse Polder: the bird airport of the coast Binoculars at the ready? Absolutely hit the brakes here! The Uitkerkse Polder is the most important meadow bird reserve in Flanders and functions as a busy 'international airport' for migratory birds. In spring, this is a large nursery for meadow birds such as the black-tailed godwit and avocet, while in winter up to 100,000 geese and ducks land here to overwinter. Cycle here in a blissful oasis of peace on low-traffic polder roads. Be sure to stop at one of the free hides along the cycle path to spot the unique marsh harriers or birds of prey!

Very pleasant tour to get some watts out of your road bike. All in safety.

Birdwatching hut Grutto is the highlight of the Uitkerkse Polder. Admire and marvel at the unsuspecting meadow birds and winter guests that forage in the ground right in front of you. Here you have a front row seat. Secretly enjoy

At this location is a Memorial Crash Waco CG-4A Glider WWII. Information panel on the bank of the Blankenbergse Vaart provides historical information: On Tuesday 19 September 1944, 10 days after the liberation of Blankenberge, a Waco CG-4A Glider of the American army crashed here. This glider with number 42-79442 was part of a formation of four C47A aircraft with gliders of the 101st airborne division that was on its way to Arnhem as part of Operation Market Garden (capture of bridges in the Dutch Nijmegen and Arnhem). Historical facts on 19/09/1944: 'When the formation flew over Blankenberge, the tow cable of the glider suddenly broke. The glider came loose from its tow plane and collided with the tip of its wing against the tow cable of another aircraft in the formation. A wing broke, after which the aircraft began to spin and crashed without control in a meadow near the Schare Bridge, which the Germans had flooded shortly before to slow down the advance of the Allied liberation army. The seven occupants did not survive the crash. Six bodies were recovered from the wreckage. Another body was found under the wreckage shortly afterwards. The remains were repatriated to their homeland or given a final resting place at the American Military Cemetery in Neupre (Neuville-en-Condroz, Belgium). The victims who died are: Robert E. Brown 1916-19/09/1944 James J. Szur 1917-19/09/1944 Caroll D. Simmons 1918-19/09/1944 John. J.Vetter 1921-19/09/1944 William A. Sowell, Jr. 1924-19/09/1944 Earnest H. Smith 1924-19/09/1944 Arthur A. Hutchins 1925-19/09/1944 We Will Remember Them

Are you on holiday at the coast and do you want to enjoy nature in addition to the beach? Then head to the Uitkerkse Polder for a family walk or a bike ride. This European Natura 2000 nature reserve of 1400 ha can be found between Blankenberge, Wenduine, Nieuwmunster and Zuienkerke, in the province of West Flanders. In the meantime, Natuurpunt already manages 650 ha of meadow bird reserve here. It is the most important meadow bird area in Flanders. Enjoy this attraction for many rare birds in both summer and winter! Read on and find out how to book a guide, what children can do here and who our partners are. More information at https://www.natuurpunt.be/natuurgebieden/uitkerkse-polder

In the hinterland of Blankenberge you will find a picturesque network of narrow, quiet roads that meander through the flat Flemish landscape. As you cycle, you will see vast meadows, characteristic farms and the iconic, low horizons that make this region so typical.

A Memorial Crash Waco CG-4A Glider WWII is located at this location. Information panel on the bank of the Blankenbergse Vaart provides historical information: On Tuesday, September 19, 1944, 10 days after the liberation of Blankenberge, a Waco CG-4A Glider of the American army crashed here. This glider with number 42-79442 was part of a formation of four C47A aircraft with gliders of the 101st airborne division that was on its way to Arnhem as part of Operation Market Garden (capture of bridges in Nijmegen and Arnhem in the Netherlands). Historical facts on 19/09/1944: 'When the formation flew above Blankenberge, the tow cable of the glider suddenly broke. The glider separated from its tow device and collided with the tip of its wing against the tow cable of another aircraft in the formation. A wing broke after which the aircraft began to spin and crashed without control in a meadow near the Scharebrug, which the Germans had recently flooded to slow down the advance of the Allied liberation army. The seven occupants did not survive the crash. Six bodies were recovered from the wreckage. Another body was found under the wreckage shortly afterwards. the remains were repatriated to their homeland or given a final resting place at the American Military Cemetery in Neupre (Neuville-en-Condroz, Belgium). The victims who died are: Robert E. Brown 1916-19/09/1944 James J. Szur 1917-19/09/1944 Caroll D. Simmons 1918-19/09/1944 John. J. Vetter 1921-19/09/1944 William A. Sowell, Jr. 1924-19/09/1944 Earnest H. Smith 1924-19/09/1944 Arthur A. Hutchins 1925-19/09/1944 We Will Remember Them

A nice location near the bridge over the Blankenbergse Vaart to press the pause button. Enjoy the centuries-old polder landscape. Did you know: Shipping was economically profitable until the 20th century.