Willem Leopoldpolder - Nature

The Willem Leopoldpolder near Retranchement is a small and varied nature area in the border region between the Netherlands and Belgium.

What can you expect in the Willem Leopoldpolder?

Together with the neighbouring Verschepolder, this area forms a unique landscape of around 65 hectares where tranquillity, nature and biodiversity take centre stage.

• Tree Frogs and Special Wildlife: The polder is known as a habitat for the rare tree frog. In spring you can hear their distinctive croaking sound. Species such as the great crested newt, various dragonflies and many birds also feel at home here.
• Rich Birdlife: In the open landscape you will regularly spot meadow birds such as redshank, avocet and partridge. In winter many ducks and geese stay here, while in spring the icterine warbler can be heard.
• Special Plants: Those who look closely will discover rare species such as bee orchid, summer bitterling and striped clover. The combination of different soil types creates a remarkably varied vegetation.
• Dragonflies and Pools: The many pools in the wet grassland attract dragonflies such as the scarlet darter, wandering spreadwing and delicate damselfly, skimming low over the water.
• International Polder: The Willem Leopoldpolder lies partly in the Netherlands and partly in Belgium and is named after King Willem III of the Netherlands and Leopold II of Belgium. Since 2003 the area has been part of the Sluise and Zwin polders.

Walking route

• Walking route: Foundation Het Zeeuwse Landschap has set out a beautiful walking route. From the entrance at the Molenstraat you can follow a marked walk of about 3.6 km. The route is indicated with wooden posts. Here you walk past scrubland, open fields and water features.
• Free Exploring: In large parts of the Willem Leopoldpolder you are free to explore and choose your own path. Enjoy the open polders, water landscapes and unique flora and fauna.
• Historic Surroundings: The walk combines well with a tour along the historic ramparts of Retranchement, bringing nature and history together beautifully.

Practical information

• Location: Between Cadzand and Retranchement, close to the nature reserve Het Zwin.
• Parking: Parking is possible at the unpaved car park on the Molenstraat in Retranchement. You can also park at the large car park at the junction of the Knokkeweg and Kanaalweg.

Visit the Willem Leopoldpolder for a peaceful walk through a unique border area full of birds, plants and distinctive landscapes.

Be surprised by the tree frogs, open polders and hidden nature of the Willem Leopoldpolder near Retranchement!

Furthermore Willem Leopoldpolder is near the following sights: Mill of Retranchement (±90 m), Fortification Ramparts of Retranchement (±450 m), Play Meadow Retranchement (±500 m), Panorama Pier near Retranchement (±750 m) & Fort Nassau (±750 m).

For information

Molenstraat, Retranchement