Top 20 Lakes around Meulebeke

The Zavelput is an old sand quarry that is now managed as a nature reserve. After the exploitation, the pit filled with water and a rich ecosystem was created. The site is 5.2 hectares in size, the pond itself about two hectares. You can go for a walk and observe birds from the observation hut. Nearby you will find the Goed te Beaulieu, a historic farm that dates back to the Frankish period. Behind the farm runs the Leie - it is very nice to walk along the banks. In 2024, the area was expanded on the north side: a forest was planted on a strip along the Leie, between the actual zavelput and the Vlasbrug. Source: https://www.toerisme-leiestreek.be/

The provincial domain De Gavers in Harelbeke and Deerlijk covers 192 hectares and is a popular recreational area with a large lake, created by sand extraction in the 1960s. The domain offers a wide range of activities: swimming, water sports, walking, cycling and an adventure park. In addition, there is a nature reserve where birds hibernate and a flower-rich area managed by Natuurpunt. The domain attracts around 800,000 visitors annually, who enjoy both the natural environment and the extensive recreational facilities.

In July 2005, Meulebeke suffered major flooding (including the entire domain of the nearby sports centre being completely submerged). Six years later, the province started major water management works, of which this double pond is one of the interventions. It should provide extra water storage during heavy rainfall, but the basin should also solve a second problem: that of drought for farmers. Water is deliberately left in the basin at all times, so that farmers can tap water from a distribution point that can be connected to tankers. A total of 55,000 cubic metres (or 5,500,000 buckets) of water can be stored in the 4.5 metre deep buffer basin. In order to give the aquatic plants and fish every chance, the well must never really become empty. Source: https://www.nieuwsblad.be/cnt/i93cib59

In 2011, a buffer basin was constructed that is divided into four basins. Three basins are located here between Koolskampstraat and Egemstraat and one a little further away, at the corner of Egemstraat-Baertstraat. The buffer basin was constructed to prevent flooding; this by temporarily holding the rainwater and then discharging it in a delayed manner into the Breemeersbeek. In addition to its water management function, the buffer basin also has a recreational and ecological function. A Finnish track of 1030 m was constructed around it, where hikers can also enjoy a beautiful piece of nature. Police regulations were drawn up to prevent nuisance. Source: https://www.pittem.be/nl/wonen/waterbeheer/bufferbekken

Children can also wade in the water here and walk on the planks

Very nice to walk around the quiet lake, well-maintained path.

The Ronde Kom was dug around 1880. The Grote Bassin was constructed in 1862 in the bed of the Mandel and the Kleine Bassin in the bed of the Sint-Amandsbeek. They served for years as water reservoirs for the surrounding textile factories at the time. After the disappearance of the economic function, the sites fell into disrepair. The Ronde Kom was first tackled and provided with a fountain and new greenery that provides an idyllic backdrop. The Kleine Bassin was then drained to clear silt and the overgrown vegetation was removed. At both ends of the basin there is now a stairway with seating structures and an access ramp for wheelchair users and prams. A wooden esplanade just above the water surface allows you to walk around the Kleine Bassin. Source: Tourism Roeselare