Langemeersen

Langemeersen is one of the last extensive hay-meadow complexes in the Scheldt valley, straddling the border between the city of Oudenaarde and the municipality of Wortegem-Petegem, right next to the river and the steep western edge of the valley. The area covers more than 180 hectares, 50 of which are owned and managed by the nature conservation organisation Natuurpunt.

What makes this place special?

Langemeersen sits at the lowest point of Wortegem-Petegem — a natural basin collecting water from the surrounding landscape. That constant wetness has preserved wet hay meadows, reed belts and patches of marsh that have largely disappeared elsewhere along the Scheldt due to agriculture and urban development. This is precisely why the site is considered one of the most valuable natural areas between Ghent and West Flanders.

What can visitors see here?

The meadows are fringed with reed margins and pollard willows, and the ground layer is unusually rich in herbs and wildflowers, including several rare species. In spring and early summer these plants create a colourful, constantly shifting bloom across the fields. This rich vegetation supports more than a hundred bird species, which use Langemeersen for breeding, feeding or as a stopover during migration.

Can Langemeersen be visited independently?

The core of the reserve — the most valuable meadows and marshland — can only be entered as part of a guided group, a measure meant to protect fragile habitats from excessive foot traffic. That doesn't mean the area is off-limits to casual visitors, though. The marsh section can be observed from the dike running along the Scheldt, from the cycling path beside the De Coupure industrial zone, and from Meersstraat in Petegem. These vantage points give a good sense of the landscape's scale and character without entering the protected core.

How to plan a visit?

The best way to experience Langemeersen up close is to join one of the guided excursions regularly organised by local nature and tourism organisations in Wortegem-Petegem. Visitors who prefer exploring on their own can follow the cycling or walking routes mentioned above, which offer a solid view of the Scheldt valley landscape without needing to book in advance.

Frequently asked questions

Where exactly is Langemeersen located? On the border between the city of Oudenaarde and the municipality of Wortegem-Petegem, in the village of Petegem-aan-de-Schelde, along the Scheldt river.

How large is the area? Over 180 hectares in total, with 50 hectares managed by Natuurpunt.

Is entry free? The most valuable parts — the hay meadows and marshland — are only accessible with a guide on organised excursions. The surrounding walking and cycling routes, however, can be explored independently at any time.

What is there to see in Langemeersen? Meadows rich in rare herbs that bloom in spring and summer, reed belts, pollard willows, and a diverse bird population of more than a hundred species.