bois de la Houssière

Bois de la Houssière is a roughly 650-hectare forest east of Braine-le-Comte, in the Belgian province of Hainaut, spread between the villages of Virginal, Henripont, Hennuyères, Écaussinnes and Ronquières. It is one of the last large surviving fragments of the ancient Forêt Charbonnière — the "charcoal forest" that once covered central Belgium from the Iron Age through the Roman period and the High Middle Ages, forming a natural boundary with the western part of the country. Like the Sonian Forest near Brussels, Houssière is a remnant of that once-vast woodland.

What is the history behind this forest?

The name "charcoal forest" is no coincidence — the woods were used for charcoal production up until the end of the 19th century. It was only the later expansion of farmland that caused the forest's steady shrinkage and its shift from an economic resource toward the recreational and ecological role it plays today.

What grows and lives in Bois de la Houssière?

The forest is composed mainly of beech and oak stands, in places with an understorey of bluebells, while damper hollows host alder-ash and ash alluvial woodland. Traces of past resource extraction survive as old sandpits scattered across the area. Roe deer and wild boar are among the animals reported along the trails, giving hikers a real chance of spotting wildlife, particularly at dawn or dusk.

Why is it a Natura 2000 site?

Almost the entire forest is protected under the European Natura 2000 network (site code BE32007). The designation reflects a mosaic of valuable forest habitats — mature beech-oak woodland, alluvial forest, and heathland remnants on former clearings and sandpits — which together support a diversity of plants and animals rarer in the more heavily farmed landscape of central Belgium.

What can visitors do in Bois de la Houssière?

Today the forest is primarily a destination for hiking and cycling, including mountain biking. A network of marked trails of varying difficulty crosses the area, among them family-friendly loops of around 5 km that link several natural and scenic points of interest in a short circuit. Wide, well-worn paths make walking comfortable even for less experienced visitors, while the varied terrain and mixed woodland also appeal to those looking for longer, more demanding routes.

How do you get to Bois de la Houssière?

The forest lies about 3 km east of Braine-le-Comte's town centre, most easily reached by car or bike via local roads connecting the town with the surrounding villages. Braine-le-Comte itself has a train station, making the forest a convenient day-trip destination without needing a car for the entire journey.

Frequently asked questions

How long does a walk through Bois de la Houssière take? A short loop of around 5 km with several viewpoints usually takes 1.5–2 hours at a relaxed pace, though the trail network also allows for much longer hikes.

Can you see wildlife in the forest? Yes, the area is known for its roe deer and wild boar populations, though as in any forest, sightings depend on timing and patience.

Are the trails suitable for families with children? Yes, the wide, well-maintained paths and shorter loops make the forest accessible even for less experienced walkers.