Ter Yde - Nature

The Ter Yde nature reserve lies between Oostduinkerke and Groenendijk and is one of the most beautiful dune areas on the Belgian coast. It is a varied nature reserve where you can walk from the beach deep into the dune landscape, with a different view around every corner.

What can you expect at Ter Yde nature reserve?

• Large and valuable dune area: Ter Yde is a nature reserve of around 80 hectares and forms the core of a much larger dune complex of approximately 260 hectares. This landscape stretches between the beach and the polders behind it.
• Wonderful walking area: Ter Yde is ideal for anyone who wants to enjoy a peaceful walk, spot birds or discover the natural side of the coast. In many places, the area feels surprisingly quiet and unspoilt, despite its location close to seaside resorts and the sea.
• Part of a special dune complex: The nature reserve connects with, among others, the following areas:
  • Zeebermduinen
  • Karthuizerduinen
  • Hannecartbos
  • Spelleplekke
  • Plaatsduinen
  • Witte Burg
  • Oostvoorduinen.
  Together, these areas form one of the largest and most varied dune landscapes on the Belgian coast.
• From beach to woodland: A walk through Ter Yde beautifully shows how the landscape changes. You start by the coast, walk through open dunes and can even continue towards the Hannecartbos woodland.
• Many different dune habitats: Along the way, you pass shifting dunes with marram grass, low moss dunes, open sandy patches, dune scrub with sea buckthorn and sheltered zones where birds and small animals feel at home.
• Special plants and animals: Typical dune plants such as dune violets, marram grass and sea buckthorn grow in the area. In and around the Hannecartbos, you may also spot storks. Please take extra care to keep the area peaceful, especially during the breeding season.
• A name with history: The word Yde means a sheltered harbour or anchorage. The name refers to the old connection between this coastal area, the sea and former settlements. Names such as Nieuwe Yde and Coxyde, in other words Koksijde, are also linked to this history.

Practical information

A visit to Ter Yde is perfect to combine with a beach walk at Oostduinkerke-Bad or Groenendijk-Bad. It is precisely the variety that makes this nature reserve so special: sea, beach, open dunes, shrubs, woodland edges and polders all lie close together here.

• Parking: Parking is available along the coastal road between Oostduinkerke and Groenendijk-Bad, near the Queen Elisabeth Institute.
• Access: Ter Yde is public land and free to enter. Please stay on the marked paths, so that the fragile dune nature remains well protected.

Visit Ter Yde for a beautiful, peaceful and natural introduction to the dune landscape between Oostduinkerke and Groenendijk.

Furthermore Ter Yde is near the following sights: Hannecartbos (±600 m), Zeebermduinen (±600 m), Spelleplekke (±650 m), Karthuizerduinen (±750 m) & Surf club Windekind (±800 m).

For information

Albert I-laan, Oostduinkerke
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