De Schelphoek is part of the Oosterschelde National Park and lies near Serooskerke, on the north side of the Oosterschelde. The area was created after the dike breach of 1953. Staatsbosbeheer then planted trees around the creek that remained. Today various species of orchids and salt-tolerant plants grow here. You can see birds such as the great egret, little grebe and kingfisher.

The Oosterschelde in miniature

The western part of the Schelphoek is in fact a miniature Oosterschelde: deep open water that turns into mudflats, salt marshes and small dune islands. Some parts flood at every tide, others almost never.

• Little dunes: during the construction of the Oosterschelde storm surge barrier, this bay was a work harbour. The sand that was left over was used to create low dunes and small islands, where nature now takes its course.
• Het Heertje island: the old harbour dam has become a bird island where various birds breed. During the dike reinforcement it was raised, so that predators such as weasels cannot reach it.
• A hollow in the sand: many coastal birds breed on bare ground. They make a hollow in the sand and sometimes lay a border of pebbles or shells around it. The chicks leave the nest quickly, but are still fed by their parents.
• Mad about salt: plants such as glasswort, sea aster and sea purslane are often called salt-loving. In fact they are salt-tolerant: they do their best to get rid of the salt or keep it out.

Caisson and view

An enormous caisson still sticks out of the dike, a concrete block that was used to close the deepest channel of the 1953 dike breach. From the part on top of the dike you have a beautiful view over the creek area. Swallows nest in the caisson and bats sleep there. There is also information about the history of the area.

About a kilometre towards Zierikzee lies the Prunjehil, a viewpoint with a wide view over the Oosterschelde and the bird area de Prunje. This point is easily accessible for wheelchairs.

Walking and enjoying

• A 4-kilometre walking route marked with red posts runs around the creek. For children there is a special find-your-way walk.
• There is an off-lead area for dogs.
• You can picnic, sunbathe, swim and fish here. Only the western part of the area outside the dike is not accessible, as it is reserved for coastal birds.
• You can also walk or cycle along the old sea dike and enjoy the view.

Practical

• The address is the Serooskerkseweg in Serooskerke. There are car parks near the area.
• At the Schelphoek you will find a restaurant and an information point. Opening and closing times may vary, so please check them beforehand.
• Stay on the paths and bring binoculars.