Drowned Zwarte Polder

This geosite is located in the west of Zeeuws-Vlaanderen and has strong differences in elevation over short distances. The area came into being about 2,600 years ago when several different sea inlets broke through the coastal barrier and the peatland behind it changed into a salt marsh landscape. This salt marsh landscape was intersected by tidal channels, creating several islands over time. In the 14th century, between the former islands of Cadzand and Groede emerged a sea channel called the Zwarte Gat, whose existence would cause the necessary administrative upheaval. Indeed, during the following centuries, several attempts were made by man to close off and reclaim the hole. In 1623, the salt marshes at the mouth of the Zwarte Gat were closed off from the outside water and the Zwarte Polder was eventually constructed.