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Visualising the Spioenkop throughout time

The BLUE BALANCE project is a multi-faceted project that aims to strengthen public awareness, involvement, and understanding in the sustainable transition of the Flemish coastal area. By engaging residents and visitors in dialogue with local industry, stakeholders, and policymakers, the project seeks to build broad societal support for sustainable economic and environmental activities by developing multiple usecases around these themes. Using a multidisciplinary approach that brings together communication sciences, marine sciences, heritage studies, and digital arts, BLUE BALANCE explores how people relate to the coast, which values shape their attitudes, and how these can be meaningfully connected to sustainable innovation. The project also maps the stakeholder landscape and tests communication and participation strategies to foster constructive dialogue and support a shared, sustainable future for the Flemish coast. For this DAER developed visuals relating the the past, present and future of our coast in the usecase “The Spioenkop throughout time” to test the best communicative approach to addres changes happening to our coastal landscape.

In this first use case the emphasis was put on coastal transition. There, the focus was put on contextualising this transition by showing how our coast evolved through time. For this, a critical point of the coast was chosen, Wenduine. The location allowed us to show a variety of elements from its viewpoint, the Spioenkop. From the Spioenkop, various natural and human elements can be seen in the landscape. We were inspired to create visuals for the past from the exact point of view of someone standing on the Spioenkop. This “viewpoint” allows viewers to immerse themselves in the past while comparing it to the current landscape. 

Spioenkop, Wenduine (credits image DPG)

Due to the circular design of the Spioekop, multiple viewing angles could be chosen. However, due to time constraints only two angles could be reconstructed to either show the past or the future. For the past, we chose to focus on the left side of the Spioenkop as it has many natural elements which can illustrate the evolution of the natural landscape the best as this changed the most drastically in comparison to modern times. 

View from the Spioenkop (left)

To illustrate the past, two time periods were selected, 300-200 n.C. and 1600 n.C., for their crucial role in the coastal evolution of this landscape. Both timespans are rich in history and excellent examples to show the interaction and consequent influence between nature and humans.

Below, you can see the visualizations of both time periods along with relevant close ups that zoom in on the details of life at those specific locations and times.

200-300 n.C.

During the Roman period, the coastal plain consisted of a constantly changing landscape of mudflats, salt marshes, and tidal channels. Twice a day, the area was partially flooded by seawater, depositing layers of sand, silt, and organic material. Just above the high-water line, salt-tolerant marshes developed, similar to the natural areas of today’s Zwin or the Verdronken Land van Saeftinghe. At that time, the coastline lay several kilometres seaward of present-day Wenduine and gradually migrated inland due to a slow rise in sea level. The dynamic coastline was intersected by channels, whose banks were attractive for settlement and economic activities. Although human influence was still limited, people during the Roman period had already begun to modify the landscape with small dikes, dwelling mounds, and land reclamation.
During the Roman period, the coastal plain consisted of a constantly changing landscape of mudflats, salt marshes, and tidal channels. Twice a day, the area was partially flooded by seawater, depositing layers of sand, silt, and organic material. Just above the high-water line, salt-tolerant marshes developed, similar to the natural areas of today’s Zwin or the Verdronken Land van Saeftinghe. At that time, the coastline lay several kilometres seaward of present-day Wenduine and gradually migrated inland due to a slow rise in sea level. The dynamic coastline was intersected by channels, whose banks were attractive for settlement and economic activities. Although human influence was still limited, people during the Roman period had already begun to modify the landscape with small dikes, dwelling mounds, and land reclamation.
Peat was extensively extracted from rectangular pits. It was likely used both as fuel for salt production and as building material for houses and outbuildings constructed from turf. Peat extraction had a significant impact on the coastal landscape, causing local subsidence that made the area more vulnerable to the effects of rising sea levels.
Peat was extensively extracted from rectangular pits. It was likely used both as fuel for salt production and as building material for houses and outbuildings constructed from turf. Peat extraction had a significant impact on the coastal landscape, causing local subsidence that made the area more vulnerable to the effects of rising sea levels.
Salt was an important product of the local Roman coastal economy and was exported to the border legions along the Rhine. Local salt production likely played a key role in the development of Wenduine as a larger Roman trading settlement.
Salt was an important product of the local Roman coastal economy and was exported to the border legions along the Rhine. Local salt production likely played a key role in the development of Wenduine as a larger Roman trading settlement.
The salt, which played such an important role, was produced by heating seawater–based brine over specially constructed clay hearths. The water evaporated, and the salt was literally “boiled out.”
The salt, which played such an important role, was produced by heating seawater–based brine over specially constructed clay hearths. The water evaporated, and the salt was literally “boiled out.”
Around 200-300 n.C, Wenduine was probably a fishing village that expanded into a trading settlement in the 2nd century AD. Evidence from fish remains suggests that fishing was mainly limited to the coastal zone, staying relatively close to the shore.
Around 200-300 n.C, Wenduine was probably a fishing village that expanded into a trading settlement in the 2nd century AD. Evidence from fish remains suggests that fishing was mainly limited to the coastal zone, staying relatively close to the shore.

1600 n.C.,

Around 1600, the coastal landscape had changed dramatically: the open tidal zone had, since the year 1000, given way to reclaimed fields and pastures. Within this increasingly human-managed landscape, the natural and more dynamic dunes were increasingly seen as problematic. Overexploitation and grazing accelerated erosion and sand drift, causing not only farmland but entire settlements to be buried under sand. To control the drifting sand, authorities attempted to limit settlement and protect natural vegetation—early forms of what we would today call “nature-based solutions.” Yet the dunes remained lively places. Despite their unpredictability and top-down measures, they continued to be inhabited by coastal fishermen and small-scale farmers. In Wenduine, at the beginning of the 17th century, small clay-plastered houses were scattered throughout the area, reflecting a fragile way of life within a still-changing coastal landscape.
Around 1600, the coastal landscape had changed dramatically: the open tidal zone had, since the year 1000, given way to reclaimed fields and pastures. Within this increasingly human-managed landscape, the natural and more dynamic dunes were increasingly seen as problematic. Overexploitation and grazing accelerated erosion and sand drift, causing not only farmland but entire settlements to be buried under sand. To control the drifting sand, authorities attempted to limit settlement and protect natural vegetation—early forms of what we would today call “nature-based solutions.” Yet the dunes remained lively places. Despite their unpredictability and top-down measures, they continued to be inhabited by coastal fishermen and small-scale farmers. In Wenduine, at the beginning of the 17th century, small clay-plastered houses were scattered throughout the area, reflecting a fragile way of life within a still-changing coastal landscape.
Rabbits were introduced to the Low Countries in the course of the 13th century, primarily to meet the high demand for fur. From the 15th century onwards, rabbits were increasingly regarded as a pest. Their well-known high reproduction rate initially led to the degradation of the dunes, after which they began searching for food outside the dune area, causing significant damage to dikes and crops in the polders.
Rabbits were introduced to the Low Countries in the course of the 13th century, primarily to meet the high demand for fur. From the 15th century onwards, rabbits were increasingly regarded as a pest. Their well-known high reproduction rate initially led to the degradation of the dunes, after which they began searching for food outside the dune area, causing significant damage to dikes and crops in the polders.
Due to the vegetation that was holding the sand toghether decreasing, sand began to drift land-inwards.
Due to the vegetation that was holding the sand toghether decreasing, sand began to drift land-inwards.
To prevent the drifting of vulnerable dunes, living and working in the dunes was increasingly restricted. Although life in these dynamic dunes was never easy, it was mainly the poorest segment of the population that continued to live there, sometimes illegally.
To prevent the drifting of vulnerable dunes, living and working in the dunes was increasingly restricted. Although life in these dynamic dunes was never easy, it was mainly the poorest segment of the population that continued to live there, sometimes illegally.
After the 14th- and 15th-century heyday of open-sea herring fishing, fishing activities in simple beach harbours such as Wenduine declined and shifted toward small-scale coastal fishing. Many fishermen moved to the nearby larger ports of Ostend and Blankenberge. As a result, Wenduine became a small community in the 16th century, surviving mainly through agriculture and small-scale fishing.
After the 14th- and 15th-century heyday of open-sea herring fishing, fishing activities in simple beach harbours such as Wenduine declined and shifted toward small-scale coastal fishing. Many fishermen moved to the nearby larger ports of Ostend and Blankenberge. As a result, Wenduine became a small community in the 16th century, surviving mainly through agriculture and small-scale fishing.

The future of the Spioenkop

In contrast to the left side of the Spioenkop, the right side mainly consists of buildings. These provide the ideal canvas to illustrate future changes to our landscape, as they are expected to undergo the most drastic transformation. Historically, the landscape evolved from a largely natural, flat terrain with gullies into a coastal plain with dunes, as previously shown on the left. In contrast, on the right, most buildings are expected to remain in the future, but they will need to be adapted to accommodate rising sea levels and changing environmental conditions.

View from the Spioenkop (right)

To further contextualise the changes of our coast and the influence this will have on our future, we made images suggesting 3 possible future scenarios. These visuals were formed based on information from Kustvisie regarding possible future scenarios but remain hypothetical. They are intended to visually explore possible outcomes rather than to serve as predictions. The content is provisional and may be subject to change based on evolving insights, partner feedback, and further scientific validation.

The images below show possible future situations where the sea level rises by up to one metre. They explore different ways of responding to this change, such as building a (commercial) dike or a dune, as well as a scenario where the current landscape is left unchanged, leading to flooding.

Current beach view from the Spioenkop
Current beach view from the Spioenkop
Current beach view from the beach at the Spioenkop
Current beach view from the beach at the Spioenkop
Fictive future beach view from the Spioenkop (Scenario: Dunes): To better protect our coast from the increasing risk of flooding, new vegetated dunes can be created in vulnerable areas. To keep these dunes stable, the beach would need to be widened by shifting the coastline seaward. In addition, the dunes provide extra space for nature and recreation.
Fictive future beach view from the Spioenkop (Scenario: Dunes): To better protect our coast from the increasing risk of flooding, new vegetated dunes can be created in vulnerable areas. To keep these dunes stable, the beach would need to be widened by shifting the coastline seaward. In addition, the dunes provide extra space for nature and recreation.
Fictive future beach view from the beach at the Spioenkop (Scenario: Dunes)
Fictive future beach view from the beach at the Spioenkop (Scenario: Dunes)
Fictive future beach view from the Spioenkop (Scenario: Dikes): To protect our coast from the increased risk of flooding, we can build higher dikes—over 10 metres tall—at vulnerable locations. These dikes could also provide space for commercial and recreational activities.
Fictive future beach view from the Spioenkop (Scenario: Dikes): To protect our coast from the increased risk of flooding, we can build higher dikes—over 10 metres tall—at vulnerable locations. These dikes could also provide space for commercial and recreational activities.
Fictive future beach view from the beach at the Spioenkop (Scenario: Dikes)
Fictive future beach view from the beach at the Spioenkop (Scenario: Dikes)
Fictive future beach view from the Spioenkop (Scenario: Flood): Scientists predict that sea levels will rise by an average of about one metre over the next 100 years, and in the worst-case scenario by as much as three metres. They also expect storms to become more frequent and more intense. Without additional protection of our coastline, this combination could lead to sudden and devastating flooding in our coastal regions.
Fictive future beach view from the Spioenkop (Scenario: Flood): Scientists predict that sea levels will rise by an average of about one metre over the next 100 years, and in the worst-case scenario by as much as three metres. They also expect storms to become more frequent and more intense. Without additional protection of our coastline, this combination could lead to sudden and devastating flooding in our coastal regions.
Fictive future beach view from the beach at the Spioenkop (Scenario: Flood)
Fictive future beach view from the beach at the Spioenkop (Scenario: Flood)

To better protect our coast from the increasing risk of flooding, new vegetated dunes can be created in vulnerable areas. To keep these dunes stable, the beach would need to be widened by shifting the coastline seaward. In addition, the dunes provide extra space for nature and recreation.

For additional information and a more immersive visualisation of our and our Blue Balance Partners’ work visit: https://view.genially.com/67b33462cccc98639f3e63e7

This article belongs to the following project:

Blue Balance

The general public is often insufficiently aware of and involved in the sustainable transition of the Flemish coastal area. That’s...
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