Exploring the dunes, impact of invasive plants on wild bees.

De Simliduinen in Nieuwpoort, a nature reserve of ANB, are fairly young dunes with a very varied landscape. They are approximately 30 hectares in size and are part of a former dune belt that stretched between De Panne and Nieuwpoort. The moist dune slacks are home to rare species such as grass-of-Parnassus and marsh helleborine. The moss dunes and bare spots in the area are significant for plants such as Nottingham catchfly and broomrape, and for invertebrates such as the digger wasp and the small pearl-bordered fritillary. For wild bees, this is one of the most species-rich dune areas on our coast. During this guided tour, we will explore the Simli dunes, looking for wild bees and other typical insects of our coastal dunes. We will also reflect on the impact that invasive plants have on this valuable nature and learn to recognize them.