Top 19 Lakes around Ruiselede

Very beautiful hike, but the highlights look different now due to the persistent drought.

The Machelenput is a beautiful nature and recreation area of about 8 hectares, right next to the village center of Machelen. The quiet, mirror-like meander of the Lys is not only a wonderful place to enjoy the water and nature for a moment, but also carries a special story from Flemish art history. Once, this cut-off bend of the Lys threatened to disappear completely. Just like elsewhere, the river was straightened for shipping, and in the early 70s, there were plans to fill in the Machelenput. But Roger Raveel put a stop to it. The world-famous artist and born-and-bred Machelen resident protested on August 19, 1971, in his own unique way. He had a raft, covered with blue plastic garbage bags and equipped with a large painting, sail across the water. The striking action received national media attention and ensured that the infill plans were eventually halted. Thanks to Raveel's playful art protest, the bend of the Lys was preserved, and the Machelenput is now a green oasis. With the Adventure Island for children and a free self-service ferry boat to the other side, there is also plenty of room for recreation. A place where nature, art, and a touch of idiosyncrasy come together beautifully.

A very large forest with various amenities, including a tea room and restaurant. There's also a herb garden and a farm where you can buy ice cream.

Where the Schipdonk Canal crosses the Ghent-Ostend Canal lies a small island. Although some residents of Merendree live "on the Island," it is uninhabited. After all, "the Island" is also the name of a street on the left bank of the Schipdonk Canal. The actual island is a miniature nature reserve: nature has been allowed to run its course here for decades. A walking path has been created around the island ('Rijkeplas', the same name as a section of the riverside path on the left bank of the Ghent-Ostend Canal), which during the summer months is dominated by the yellow of ragwort (a poisonous plant dangerous to cattle and horses; it is therefore controlled in pastures) and, here and there, the bright blue of wild chicory. The island resembles a rabbit paradise. It's almost impossible not to see one hopping away.

The (historical) Scheepsput can be found in the beautiful green Sint-Pietersveld. You would hardly believe it, but this well was dug in the mid-19th century to build a three-master. The large sailing ship served as a training ground for the sailors of a reform school in the area (now Community Institution De Zande). The pond was given the name 'Het Schip', but was transformed by the local population into the Scheepsput.

After the Tillegembos (Bruges) and the Palingbeek (Ypres), the Lippensgoed-Bulskampveld became the third provincial domain of West Flanders. In 1970, 201 ha of forest, agricultural land, park, castle and associated farms were purchased and opened to the public after construction and development. The Lippensgoed-Bulskampveld was the largest public domain in West Flanders for a long time. In the 1980s, the castle garden was transformed into a didactic herb garden and the exhibition of agricultural materials in galleries around the herb garden was established. In 1990, one of the leased farms within the provincial domain became available. In order to increase the recreational opportunities, various afforestations were carried out there and new avenues were created. With an additional acquisition of 17 ha in 1992, the surface area was increased to 218 ha. About 10 years later, in 2003, 6 ha of St-Amandus were rented and integrated into the existing domain via an educational nature trail. Finally, in 2005, about 8 ha of forest were purchased and added to the public domain, bringing the total to 232 ha. (Province of West Flanders)

A boardwalk over a large pond: fun guaranteed. And a beautiful panorama.

beautiful boardwalk, recently renovated, and beautiful view