Woumen, Merkem and Jonkershove

Nature reserve De Blankaart is a recognized nature reserve that was established in 1959. The largest part of it is located in Woumen, a smaller part in Merkem. The natural environment consists mainly of a beautiful lowland peat bog with reed beds, beautiful swamp forests and vast polder grasslands. The reserve is an Eldorado for many (water) bird species, such as the cormorant, the grey heron and the marsh harrier. The area is located around the eponymous castle Blankaart. The castle includes a beautiful park and a pond that was created naturally by peat extraction. With approximately 1300 inhabitants and an area of 14 square kilometers, Woumen is one of the larger villages in the area. Although the village is known for its nature reserve, Woumen has much more to offer. In the center is the beautiful Sint-Andreaskerk, which was completely restored and restored after a serious fire in the'80s.