Site Ornithologique des Cinq Tailles
Thumeries
2 min read
A shaded walk around former sugar-industry settling ponds, now reclaimed by nature and dotted with birdwatching hides.
The walk
I followed a 7.2-kilometre loop through the Site Ornithologique des Cinq Tailles, next to Phalempin Forest near Thumeries.
The route mixes wide woodland tracks with smaller paths and passes the ponds at several points. Much of the walk stays beneath the trees, making this a particularly good option on warmer days.
Route map
From sugar beet to bird habitat
The ponds at Les Cinq Tailles were not created naturally. They were once settling basins used by the Béghin Say sugar factory in Thumeries.
Water and mud from washing sugar beet were channelled into the basins. After sugar production ended, nature gradually took over.
Today, the former industrial ponds have become an important habitat for birds and feel completely different from what they were originally built for.
Between woodland and water
What I liked most was the mix of woodland and open water.
Some sections stay beneath the trees for quite a while before another pond suddenly appears through the greenery. That variety makes the walk much more interesting than a straightforward loop through the woods.
The shade is another big advantage when the weather is warm.
There is a map at the entrance, but during my visit it did not show every path I came across. For a longer loop, I would also keep a GPX or digital map handy.
Birdwatching hides
Several bird hides are spread around the ponds. I passed five during my walk.
Some looked fairly new. In one of them, I could even still smell the freshly cut wood.
The hides give you a good view across the water, but many birds stay quite far away, so binoculars or a telephoto lens are well worth bringing.
Black-headed gulls were particularly noticeable during my visit. Even if you are not here specifically for birdwatching, the hides are nice places to stop and spend a few quiet minutes looking out over the ponds.
More than just the ponds
The site extends well beyond the water. Paths continue through the woodland and connect with the larger Phalempin Forest.
That means you can easily make the walk longer without simply circling the same ponds.
Dogs are allowed, but they need to stay on a lead.
Photos from this walk
Jay’s tips
Bring binoculars or a telephoto lens if you want to watch the birds. The hides overlook the ponds, but many birds stay some distance away. For a longer walk, use a GPX or digital map as well. During my visit, the map at the entrance did not show every path.
Good to know
Birdwatching hide or viewpoint
Nature observation point
The map at the entrance did not show every path during my visit, so a GPX or digital map is useful for a longer loop. Some wooded sections may also be closed during strong winds for safety reasons.
My experience
I discovered Les Cinq Tailles after a walk in nearby Phalempin Forest a few years earlier had left me a little disappointed.
This place suited me much better. I especially liked the combination of shaded paths, water and the different bird hides.
On a warm day, I would choose Les Cinq Tailles over Phalempin Forest next door without hesitation.
Waymarking
Not waymarked
Route map available on site
Ready to set off?
Open the starting point in your GPS and enjoy the walk.
