Merkenveld

Merkenveld is a wooded recreational area in the West Flemish municipality of Zedelgem, spread across the territories of Zedelgem, Veldegem and, most notably, Loppem. It sits just east of the hamlet of De Leeuw, in the rural surroundings of Loppem, roughly 10 km south of Bruges and about 20 km from the North Sea coast.

How large is the area?

Merkenveld itself covers just over 18 hectares. The municipality of Zedelgem bought the land in the 1980s, and it has since been managed as the Municipal Domain of Merkenveld. It directly borders the estate of Baesveld Castle (20 ha), privately owned forest (22 ha) and the Doeveren nature area (57 ha) — together forming a connected green zone of around 110 hectares.

Where does the name come from, and what is the area's history?

Merkenveld was once part of a much larger, 390-hectare heathland called Lichterveldeveld, dotted with ponds that sat above a layer of clay. In the second half of the 18th century these ponds were drained, partly on the orders of the land's owner at the time, Lord Van Outryve de Merckem, lord of Baesveld Castle. The area's current name traces back to his family name.

What can visitors see — which plants and animals live in Merkenveld?

The area is known for rich and varied plant life alongside wildlife typical of Flanders' damp deciduous woodlands. Ground-layer plants found here include primrose and wood anemone. Merkenveld is also home to numerous bird species and several species of bats, which shelter in, among other places, an old ice cellar on the domain. Seven amphibian species and eleven dragonfly species have been recorded here too — a sign of just how biodiverse this small but water- and greenery-rich corner of the countryside is.

What can you do at Merkenveld — is it open to visitors?

Walking paths cross through the Merkemveld forest and the adjoining Doeveren green area, making it easy to explore both the woodland itself and the surrounding nature reserve on foot. Zedelgem's scenic viewpoint route (the Zedelgemse Zichtenroute) passes the gate of Baesveld Castle and through Merkenveld, making the domain a natural stop for anyone exploring the area on foot or by bike.

The domain is also home to Hopper, a youth hostel run by Scouts en Gidsen Vlaanderen. It offers 20 hectares of forest set aside for play and 10 hectares of camping meadows, and the whole site borders a 70-hectare nature reserve — which makes Merkenveld a popular destination for youth camps and group trips.

Frequently asked questions

Where exactly is Merkenveld located? In the municipality of Zedelgem in West Flanders, mostly within the village of Loppem, about 10 km south of Bruges.

How big is Merkenveld? The core area covers just under 18 hectares, but together with neighboring land (Baesveld, private forest, Doeveren) it forms a green complex of roughly 110 hectares.

Can you camp or hold group trips at Merkenveld? Yes — the domain hosts the Hopper youth hostel, which has its own play forest and camping meadows and is often used by scouting groups.

What wildlife can be found there? Numerous bird species, several bat species (including in an old ice cellar), seven amphibian species and eleven dragonfly species.