Bellebargiebos

Bellebargiebos is a small but ecologically significant forest straddling the border between the municipalities of Lievegem (the former Waarschoot) and Kaprijke, in the Meetjesland region of East Flanders, Belgium. The forest complex covers roughly 78 to 80 hectares and stretches along the Burggravenstroom stream, forming, together with the neighbouring Lembeekse bossen, one of the larger continuous wooded areas in this part of the region.

What kind of forest is it?

Bellebargiebos is a moist deciduous forest classified as an "acidic oak forest," dominated by old oak trees — some specimens estimated at around 200 years old — alongside beech. The forest floor supports species such as bracken fern, wood anemone, and Solomon's seal, thriving in the damp, acidic soil typical of this habitat. These conditions also favour fungi, including rarer species such as porcelain fungus and certain bolete varieties recorded here.

Why is it protected?

The land has been owned by the Flemish Region since 1993, and since 2005 Bellebargiebos has held the status of a forest reserve, managed by the Agency for Nature and Forests (Agentschap voor Natuur en Bos). The area also forms part of the Natura 2000 network, which protects habitats and species of European importance. Because of its reserve status, access to parts of the forest is restricted, allowing certain stands of trees to age and decay naturally — a process that supports biodiversity linked to deadwood habitats.

Where does the name come from?

The name Bellebargiebos has a distinctive historical origin. In the 15th century, firewood harvested from this forest was shipped by barge along the Burggravenstroom and the Lieve canal all the way to Ghent. A bell ("bel" in Dutch) was placed near the forest to announce the arrival of these barges ("bargie"), and over time the words merged into the name Bellebargiebos.

Can you visit?

Despite its nature reserve status, marked walking trails run through Bellebargiebos and the adjoining Lembeekse bossen, and they are popular among residents of the Meetjesland area. The forest frequently features in walking routes connecting Waarschoot with Lembeke and Kaprijke, offering a chance to experience both the old-growth stands and the valley of the Burggravenstroom. The local nature organisation Natuurpunt is also active here, monitoring wildlife and occasionally reporting new finds, such as fungus species previously unrecorded in Flanders.

Frequently asked questions

Where exactly is Bellebargiebos located? The forest lies between the village of Waarschoot (part of the municipality of Lievegem) and Lembeke (municipality of Kaprijke), in the province of East Flanders.

How large is the forest? The complex covers approximately 78 to 80 hectares.

Can you go hiking there? Yes, marked walking paths run through part of the forest and the neighbouring Lembeekse bossen, although some sections of the reserve have restricted access due to nature conservation measures.

Why does the forest have this name? The name refers to a bell ("bel") that once announced the arrival of barges ("bargie") transporting firewood along the Lieve canal to Ghent.

Which tree species dominate Bellebargiebos? Mainly old oak trees, some up to roughly 200 years old, together with beech, characteristic of the region's acidic deciduous forests.