Het Zwin
Region
Europe
Country
Belgium
Flyway
East Atlantic flyway
Initiative
Migratory Birds for People
About
Province of West Flanders i.a.w. Agency for Nature and Forest Management
Funding support: public funds, EU funds
Number of staff: 5
Number of visitors per year: 80,000
Overall aims of the centre
1: Maintain the Zwin Nature Reserve as an important link within the N2000 network on the East Atlantic Flyway
2: To be a main ecotouristic attraction point at the coast based upon the surrounding nature values and a contemporary environmental educational interpretation thereof
3: To act as an entrance gate for the entire Zwin region
4: To be a leading example of sustainability out of respect for the surrounding nature values
Description of the centre
Size: 158 ha (after 2013: +120 ha). Types of habitat: mud flat, salt marsh, dune.
Species supported: European Tree Frog (Hyla arborea), White Stork (Cyconia cyconia).
Activities run: guided tours, Interantional Bird Spotting Day, The Zwin on Stilts,
Exhibits: temporary exhibitions on biodiversity, arts, etc.
Location: North Sea coast at the border between Belgium and the Netherlands (20 km from Bruges)
Description: Coastal sand dune site – Includes large numbers of White Storks – Also captive collection of shorebirds.
Expertise
Interpretation techniques
Creating signage; site information; Producing written materials; Using audio-visual tools; Developing nature trails
Visitor centres
Setting up a new visitor centre; Managing / creating habitat; Running a visitor centre; Building / maintaining structures
Participation
Working with disabled people; Engaging hard-to-reach groups; Engaging young people; Engaging the local community; Working with volunteers
Education and communication
Early years education; Delivering adult education; Working with primary schools; Lobbying / running campaigns; Working with secondary schools; Developing resources / materials
General
Auditing / assessing effectiveness; PR and marketing; Running effective administration; Project planning
Contact
Graaf Leon
Lippensdreef 8,
8300, Knokke-Heist,
BelgiumContact
T: 050 607086
F: 050 622000