Renewed nature reserve in Nieuwpoortse dunes: “a beautiful sight”

The Simliduinen are 30 hectares in size and are part of a former dune belt that stretched between De Panne and Nieuwpoort. Dilapidated tennis courts and a mini golf have disappeared, Nature and Forest has restored the area.

Unique dragonflies

“We still have several dune grasslands and damp dune slacks here, which we have now restored with the works. If you come here in the spring, you can see beautiful orchids. With a bit of luck, unique dragonflies as well,” says Evy Dewulf of Agency for Nature and Bunch.

Family history

In addition to a number of new hiking trails, there is also a wooden viewing platform. There you can not only look around, but you also learn something. “You have a nice view of the Lenspolder. It is also a view of the northern side where you can see the sea and how everything was before the war.”

Many dunes have disappeared over the years. In Nieuwpoort they cherish this little piece. “In the old days, all of this was owned by the Crombez family, the Nieuwpoort family. And that was the last piece that would also be parceled out. But I think all the people who live around here are very happy that it has remained. because it is a beautiful sight,” says mayor Geert Vanden Broucke of Nieuwpoort.