Along the Old Scheldt in Bornem, in the province of Antwerp, stands Marnix de Sainte-Aldegonde Castle. This idyllic setting still reflects the spirit of the former landed gentry, for whom forestry, hunting, and agriculture were important pillars of the estate’s activities. Along the banks of the Old Scheldt, the castle grounds conceal a remarkable piece of landscape heritage: a historic duck decoy whose origins date back to the 14th century, making it the oldest duck decoy known in Europe.
What is a duck decoy?
A duck decoy is a pond connected to several narrow channels that are bordered by reed and willow screens, covered with hoops and netting, and ending in a trapping area. These funnel-shaped channels are known as decoy pipes. This system was traditionally used to catch ducks without the need to shoot them.
A duck decoy did not function on its own. The decoyman directed the capture process and was assisted by a specially trained decoy cog. The choice of decoy pipe depended on the wind direction on that particular day. The decoyman maintained the duck decoy with great care, and there was always work to be done, including pollarding trees, removing undergrowth, repairing fences, clearing branches from the paths, and feeding the tame ducks.
In 1972, catching ducks for consumption was banned. From then on, the duck decoy was used exclusively for scientific purposes. The Agency for Nature and Forests and the ornithological society De Wielewaal used the decoy to catch and ring ducks for research and monitoring. This activity also ceased in 1998. Since then, the decoy has no longer been used as a trapping facility and, as a result, management and maintenance activities were gradually discontinued.
Given the historical significance of the duck decoy, the Flemish Heritage Agency (Onroerend Erfgoed) decided in 2018 to designate the Bornem duck decoy as a protected monument. In the same year, Tourism Flanders (Toerisme Vlaanderen) decided to support the Regional Landscape Schelde-Durme’s tourism project, From Stone to Stone. The project aimed to create a recreational and tourism network connecting heritage sites throughout the Scheldt Valley.
Soon, Foundation Kempens Landschap became involved thanks to its experience in heritage conservation, public access, and nature management. An agreement was drawn up between the Domain of Bornem (Domein van Bornem), owner of the castle, the castle grounds, and the duck decoy; Tourism Flanders; Kempens Landschap; the Municipality of Bornem; and the Regional Landscape Schelde-Durme. Under the long-term lease agreement, Kempens Landschap assumed responsibility for for the restoration, public opening, and ongoing maintenance of the duck decoy.
“Through this restoration project, we aim to make the duck decoy accessible to the general public for the first time in its history. It is an honour to help preserve and showcase a heritage site that truly deserves this recognition. With the support of VGP, Kempens Landschap is committed to making this ambition a reality.”
– Kempens Landschap
