Dune complex Oranjezon and the Manteling

The northeastern sea current along the Walcheren coast brought sand with it. As a result, an elongated beach developed on the north side of Walcheren that was attached to land on the southwest side and extended into the sea on the northeast side, a so-called beach hook. Dune formation began on this beach hook, which extended inland. That inlet thus gradually became closed off from the open sea. A wet, primary dune valley formed. The process of forming a beach hook and closing off the area behind it repeated itself several times, causing the coast to expand seaward. This created a landscape around the Oranjezon area with alternating rows of dunes and primary dune valleys.

The occurrence of oak forests in close proximity to the sea as in the Old Dunes of this area is rare in Europe. The Manteling van Walcheren and Oranjezon have a rich history, including habitation remains from the Late Iron Age, the Roman period and the early Middle Ages, a Roman sanctuary, a Carolingian fortress that served as a place of refuge during Norman raids, and centuries-old country estates with stately mansions.