The curlews are found in the mudflat and salt marsh area of the IJzer estuary. According to the mayor, who also asks the Nature and Forests administration for an explanation, the curlews are certainly causing a delay of a year. “It’s very sad. Indeed, I’m angry. That means starting over. It will take at least a year. That frustrates us enormously. It’s all no longer workable. It’s a symbolic file. They’re constantly holding up a carrot for us And when we can start, they say: no, you are not doing well. You have to reconsider that and this.”