Walenhoek

Niel, Antwerpen > Belgium

Old clay pits which have been transformed into a nature reserve.

Added* by Walter Van Remoortel
Most recent update 8 November 2025

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Description

Walenhoek is a nature reserve created from former clay pits and now a rich wetland area with ponds, reed beds, and woodland. Walenhoek covers around 60 hectares. The ponds form a mosaic of habitats that support many bird species. Bird you can observe include Northern Shoveler, Common Pochard, Water Rail, Little Grebe, Great Crested Grebe, Great Cormorant, Grey Heron, Great Egret, Common Kingfisher, Goldcrest, Blackcap, Reed Warbler, Cetti's Warbler, and Sparrowhawk.

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Nederlands: Walenhoek zijn oude kleiputten welke zijn omgevormd in een natuurgebied. Het is nu een rijk wetlandgebied met poelen, rietvelden en bos. Walenhoek beslaat ongeveer 60 hectare en wordt beheerd door Natuurpunt en het Agentschap voor Natuur en Bos. Vogels die je kunt tegenkomen zijn onder meer Northern Shoveler, Common Pochard, Water Rail, Little Grebe, Great Crested Grebe, Great Cormorant, Grey Heron, Great Egret, Common Kingfisher, Goldcrest, Blackcap, Reed Warbler, Cetti's Warbler, en Sparrowhawk.

Details

Access

Walenhoek is a nature reserve in Niel, south of Antwerp. Parking is available in several places nearby. Press a P on the map for directions to a parking lot. The circular walking route shown on the map is about 3 km. Sturdy shoes recommended in dry weather, boots essential in rainy periods.

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Nederlands: Walenhoek ligt bij Niel, ten zuiden van Antwerpen. Parkeren is mogelijk op diverse plaatsen in de buurt. Druk op een P op de kaart voor een routebeschrijving naar een parkeerplaats. Vanaf de parkeeplaats kun je het gebied te voet verkennen. De op de kaart weergegeven rondwandeling is ongeveer 3 km lang. Stevige schoenen aanbevolen bij droog weer, laarzen ononbeerlijk in regenperiodes.

Terrain and Habitat

Forest , Scattered trees and bushes , Pond

Conditions

Wet , High water possible , Hilly

Circular trail

Is a telescope useful?

Can be useful

Good birding season

All year round

Best time to visit

Spring

Route

Unpaved road

Difficulty walking trail

Easy

Accessible by

Foot

Birdwatching hide / platform

View other birding spots in the area that are published on Birdingplaces

Map

Top 5 birds

1. Common Kingfisher
(Alcedo atthis)

2. Northern Shoveler
(Spatula clypeata)

3. Reed Warbler
(Acrocephalus scirpaceus)

4. Blackcap
(Sylvia atricapilla)

5. Grey Heron
(Ardea cinerea)

Other birds you can see here

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Gallery

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Comments & Tips

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