The Schipgatduinen are a precious but fragile nature reserve covering 45 hectares. The area has sea level dunes, marram grass dunes, an old running dune and roughened young dune massifs.

The Schipgatduinen are relatively young, about 2,000 years old. They protect a deep panne that is the relic of a creek, literally a 'Schipgat'. The panne is a humid area and often covered by fresh rainwater. As a result, you will find typical freshwater flora such as water mint and bog pimpernel.

But the most characteristic plant for this area is the Blue sea holly. Wander from the sea towards the Nature Education Centre Duinenhuis and you will encounter them everywhere. For the record: the Blue sea holly (umbellifer) is not a thistle (composite family) At the western border of the area, you will find one of the few Blue sea holly growing spots. A summer visitor in these dunes is undoubtedly the common grasshopper warbler, a songbird with a built-in alarm clock.

• Tram stop: Koksijde Lejeunelaan
• Hiking points in Schipgatduinen 56, 57 and 58
• Between cycle points 74 and 88 (Westhoek and Kust)
• Entry point: Elisabethplein (Koksijde-Bad) - alternatively along the coastal road (between Koksijde and Oostduinkerke-Bad)