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The de Merode forests

The woody area between the rivers the Grote Nete and the Demer in Flanders forms a transition between the Kempen, with its flat and sandy surface and an abundance of small fields, and the Hageland, with its brushwood and hills. Until 2004 these forests were largely in the hands of the noble family de Merode. Now they are accessible for everyone, and that means new challenges in protecting, managing and enhancing the forests. More information about the Lifescape partner that works in this region. View a film about this region (in Dutch, 99 Mb, right click and save)

Flemish forests On the border of the Belgian provinces Antwerp, Vlaams-Brabant and Limburg in 2004 at one go 1,500 hectares of woodland was opened for the general public. A rare occasion in the heavily populated Flanders. Because of the sheer size of the area the opening of it and the subsequent arrangement received full attention from the Flemish government. Read more...

Cultural heritage: religious and noble roots The de Merode forests have a turbulent history, with an everlasting battle for ownership and continuously changing boundaries. Through the centuries many mighty and noble people fought for the ownership of the de Merode forests. Read more...