Top 20 Lakes around Dendermonde

The Donkmeer in Overmere is not just a picturesque body of water; it is a silent witness to centuries of labor and human perseverance. This area was once a vast peatland, where peat – dried peat used as fuel – was extracted by hand. This peat extraction shaped the landscape: deep pits were created where the peat had been removed, and these later filled with water, creating the Donkmeer. On the shore of the lake stands the bronze Turfstekerstandbeeld (Peat Cutter Statue), a powerful tribute to the men who performed this work. The statue, made by Michel Peleman, depicts a peat cutter in action – bent over his work, with simple clothing and tools. It is a reminder of a time when peat was the main means of heating, and when workers performed heavy manual labor day in and day out for meager wages. While they lived in simple huts around the lake, their bosses made fortunes from the peat trade.

The Donkmeer in Berlare is one of the largest lakes in Flanders and forms the beating heart of a versatile nature and recreation area. Originating from old peat extraction pits, the lake stretches over 86 hectares, of which approximately 30% is protected nature reserve. The area offers a beautiful backdrop of Scheldt nature, with fields, forests, marshes and a rich biodiversity. The Donkmeer is also a popular spot for birdwatchers, with numerous rare bird species residing in and around the water. Along the banks you will find cozy restaurants, including restaurants known for their eel dishes.

what a beautiful region, nature a volonté

"Bunt" is a disused synonym for "moor grass", a grass species that mainly occurs on heathlands, along fens, in blue grasslands, forests on acidic sandy soils, low and raised bogs and in dune valleys.

The Hamputten is, in addition to the Molsbroek, the Hagemeersen and the Molsbergen, one of the four sub-areas of the 122-hectare Groot Molsbroek, in which an alternation of marsh, forest, reed fields, grasslands, river dunes and open water creates a mosaic of landscape types. This combination forms the ideal habitat for many plants and animals, including the bittern, which finds an ideal habitat here where it can hunt mice, fish, frogs and insects. This rare bird is present in the area every year, especially during the winter. But it is also (based on planned works in the management plan) designated as a breeding bird. This heron has a yellow-brown plumage with a dark brown pattern and is thus perfectly camouflaged to hide between the reeds. Source: information board on site

This statue of a peat cutter represents a profession from pre-modern times. In the 17th century, the demand for peat rose, which made the Donkmeer more important. This lake turned out to be one big peat pit. The work as a peat cutter was very intensive. Day in, day out, one had to do heavy manual labor for a meager wage. The bosses, on the other hand, did get rich from the peat that they sold for a lot of money. In contrast to the workers who lived in huts around the lake, the bosses could afford mansions. At that time, there was still no talk of good working conditions and quality work. (Standbeelden.be)

Today Komoot was asked to change the name of this Highlight to Hennenput.

If you like water while walking, this is the place for you...