Bourgoyen-Ossemeersen

Bourgoyen-Ossemeersen is a nature reserve on the outskirts of Ghent, Belgium, in the district of Mariakerke, only about 3 kilometers from the city center and Gravensteen castle. The reserve covers 230 hectares and consists mainly of wet, often flooded meadows crossed by ditches and canals. It is one of the most important wintering areas for water birds in Flanders, and it also functions as a buffer zone between the city and the R4 ring road — noise-reducing barriers have been erected along the road to lessen its impact on the wildlife.

What can you see in the reserve?

The area is made up of flower-rich meadows and marshy zones, jointly managed by Natuurpunt Regio Gent and the City of Ghent. The landscape changes noticeably with the seasons — spring and summer bring blooming meadows, while autumn and winter turn much of the terrain into shallow floodwaters that attract thousands of waterfowl.

Which birds can you spot at Bourgoyen-Ossemeersen?

The reserve is known for large numbers of overwintering ducks and other water birds. Visitors can spot wigeon, teal, shoveler, pintail, mallard and ruff. At the end of winter and beginning of spring, thousands of ducks and numerous waders gather on the flooded meadows and can be observed up close from hides placed along the walking routes.

Is there a visitor center on site?

Yes, at the entrance to the reserve stands a visitor center, the Natuurcentrum Jan Hublé. It's a good starting point for exploring the area: visitors can rent binoculars or a "Snuittasje" activity backpack for children, and pick up walking maps. Next to the center is a small café, the Nature Café, where you can get information about the reserve and relax with a drink after a walk among the meadows and waterfowl.

What else should you know before visiting?

Right next to the visitor center there is a short but pleasant barefoot path that children particularly enjoy. On the first Saturday of every month at 14:30, a free guided walk departs, led by guides from Natuurpunt Regio Gent — a good opportunity to learn more about the area and its wildlife from someone familiar with the local nature.

Why visit Bourgoyen-Ossemeersen?

The reserve combines closeness to a large city with genuinely wild nature, a rare pairing that makes it popular both with Ghent residents looking for a quiet escape and with birdwatching enthusiasts. The seasonal transformation of the landscape — from flowering meadows to flooded wetlands full of birds — means every visit can look quite different depending on the time of year.

Frequently asked questions

How far is Bourgoyen-Ossemeersen from Ghent city center? The reserve lies about 3 kilometers from the city center and Gravensteen castle, in the district of Mariakerke.

Which birds can you see in winter? Mainly waterfowl such as wigeon, teal, shoveler, pintail and mallard, along with ruff, best observed from the viewing hides.

Is there somewhere to eat or rest on site? Yes, the Nature Café is located next to the visitor center.

Are there guided walks available? Yes, free guided walks are organized on the first Saturday of every month at 14:30.