A Hidden World in Het Pompveld
Storyteller and photographer Jeanine discovers the hidden duck decoy in Het Pompveld. During the rare open house, she walks through the nature reserve, learns about the centuries-old trapping technique, and experiences the tranquility of this unique piece of heritage.
At 10:00 a.m., I’ll be at Midgraaf 27 in Babyloniënbroek. The morning air is still crisp, and there’s that distinct feeling of being in a place that isn’t normally open to the public. Today is one of those rare exceptions: the open house at the duck decoy in Het Pompveld , organized by Brabants Landschap. This area opens to visitors only once every two years.
From the starting point, a walk of about 15 to 20 minutes begins. The path gradually leads into the countryside, toward the silence. Although it’s dry, the clay paths are slippery. With my boots on, I feel the ground give way with every step. The landscape almost forces you to slow down.
A functional historical system
Here, the duck decoy isn’t just another part of the landscape—it’s truly the hallmark of Het Pompveld. The entire area covers about 250 hectares, and it has expanded over time. What you see here is not a recreational lake or pond as you know it, but a functional historical system that once revolved around one thing: catching ducks.
A duck decoy turns out to be surprisingly simple at its core. No large structure or complicated setup, just a pond of about half a hectare with four capture pipes. People who’ve never seen one often have the wildest ideas about it, says the duck decoy operator. As if it were some kind of enclosed “cage” full of ducks. In reality, it’s a cleverly designed landscape where water, tranquility, and structure come together.
These days, the kooi is no longer used to catch ducks. It is maintained by a group of volunteers to preserve this cultural heritage and for educational purposes.
The Life of a Kooiker
In the past, being a “kooiker” was a full-time profession, and these men often lived literally on and around the duck decoy. In the winter, the focus was on catching ducks; in the summer, on maintenance: branches, paths, water—everything had to be kept in order. Work continued even late into the evening—not because it was necessary, but because the silence and tranquility of the decoy were essential. Even the slightest crack of an old branch could be enough to startle the ducks.
The kooiker never worked alone. His most important “employee” was the dog, which played a crucial role in the entire system.
Three types of ducks, one system
In a well-functioning duck decoy, there were three types of ducks:
- The first group consisted of the tame ducks. They were fed daily at 9:00 a.m. They were used to the herdsman and the dog and barely reacted to their presence anymore.
- The second group consisted of what were known as “staleenden”: half-tame, half-wild. These were local ducks—from farms, for example—that would occasionally drop by and mingle with the rest.
- And then there were the wild ducks. They were the whole point of the system. They had to be lured, guided, and ultimately caught.
The right to fish with a trap and the rules of tranquility
There were once 118 registered duck decoys; today, there are still around 100. Each decoy must be maintained, and at least one pipe must be operational and capable of catching ducks. You need a decoy keeper for this, and with that comes the so-called “decoy right.”
That right is more than just a formality. A “right of enclosure” applies around a duck decoy: a protected zone where disturbances are prevented as much as possible. Even crowds or noise can cause ducks to stay away for weeks. Peace and quiet were therefore vital: without ducks, no catch; and without a catch, no income.
Most of the decoys date back to the 17th century. The system is thus hundreds of years old and still visible in the landscape.
Clever fishing, wind, and instinct
The cage’s catch pipes are strategically placed, one for each wind direction. Everything revolves around the wind. Ducks take off and land against the wind. In the past, the cage hunter constantly monitored the wind direction. The catch could never be planned exactly; it was always a matter of estimation, experience, and timing.
The technique itself is surprisingly ingenious. By using a dog that moves through the capture pipes via small hatches, the ducks are enticed. During the guided tour, a demonstration is given of how the dog moves through the hatches. The dog moves in a pattern that catches their attention, as if a natural “threat” were present. The dog, as it were, mimics the fox, the duck’s natural enemy. That is why he also wears a plume on his tail.
Out of curiosity, the ducks follow the pipe inside. At first, it’s still open and light; later, it becomes narrower and quieter. At the end, escape seems possible, but that’s precisely where it’s sealed off. With a single simple pull on a rope, a trapdoor can drop. One chance—no second chances.
Back to the Kooiker cottage
After our walk around the lake, we head back to the Kooiker cottage. By now, the aroma of freshly grilled hamburgers fills the air. Across from the cottage, two young women are explaining all about bees, honeycombs, and honey production. With obvious enthusiasm, they explain how bees collect nectar from flowers, bring it back to the hive, and store it in the honeycombs. There, the nectar is slowly transformed into honey, after which the cells are sealed with a thin layer of wax.
A little further on, children are busy in the ditch with dip nets. They’re catching small fish, and they even pull a crayfish out of the water. Before I know it, adults are also watching and joining in the search. It creates a relaxed atmosphere where everyone forgets the daily hustle and bustle for a moment and feels like a child again.
A nice contrast: on one hand, a centuries-old system where everything revolves around silence, wind, and instinct; on the other, the simple joy of mud on your boots and a little fish in your net. In a world that normally remains closed off, but which was open for just a moment today.
Want to explore Het Pompveld for yourself?
The duck decoy in Het Pompveld is only accessible on the open house day, which is held every other year. The walking trail around the perimeter, however, is accessible year-round. We offer several walking routes along Het Pompveld, such as the Babyloniënbroek loop and the Waardhuizen loop.
For families, there’s the Brabants Landschap educational park, where children can discover nature through play. Climb over stepping stones, pump water, balance on tree trunks, build huts out of branches, and use a dip net to explore the creatures living in the water. An ideal place to play, learn, and experience nature.