Bois de Silly

Bois de Silly is a large forest complex in the province of Hainaut, in the Walloon Region of Belgium, located within the municipality of Silly. Together with the neighbouring Bois de Ligne and Bois d'Enghien, it forms a continuous woodland covering more than 500 hectares, made up almost entirely of broadleaf trees, chiefly beech and oak. Surrounded by the largely agricultural landscape of Hainaut, this forest acts as a genuine green lung and a refuge for wildlife in a region otherwise dominated by farmland.

What does the forest look like?

In spring, the forest floor is carpeted with flowering plants, one of the main draws for visitors during that season. The woodland is defined by a dense tree canopy that, in places, opens up into wider, more stately avenues, a legacy of how the forest has been managed and shaped over the years.

What wildlife lives in Bois de Silly?

Bois de Silly is well known among birdwatchers as a site where five different woodpecker species can be observed: the middle spotted woodpecker, black woodpecker, Eurasian green woodpecker, great spotted woodpecker, and lesser spotted woodpecker. Such a varied woodpecker population points to mature, healthy stands of trees and a good diversity of habitats across the woodland. Beyond birds, the forest supports numerous other animal species that find shelter here away from the surrounding intensively farmed land.

How can visitors explore the area?

A network of walking trails runs through Bois de Silly, linking three major forests of the Hainaut region. A popular loop near Silly covers about 2.1 miles (roughly 3.4 km) and is generally considered an easy route, taking an average of 54 minutes to complete. A longer variant extends across Bois de Silly, Bois de Ligne, and Bois d'Enghien, allowing visitors to experience a greater variety of the woodland's different sections and tree cover.

Nearby points of interest include Thoricourt Castle and the Chapelle Notre-Dame-de-Lourdes de Thoricourt, making the surrounding area appealing not only to nature lovers but also to those interested in local heritage.

Are there any events held in the forest?

Bois de Silly has also served as an unconventional exhibition space: the province of Hainaut has organised an outdoor display of large-format photographs suspended among the trees here, blending art with the forest's natural setting.

Frequently asked questions

How large is Bois de Silly? Together with the neighbouring Bois de Ligne and Bois d'Enghien, it forms a complex covering more than 500 hectares.

What kind of trees dominate the forest? The forest is almost entirely broadleaf, dominated by beech and oak.

Can you spot birds here? Yes, the area is known for hosting five woodpecker species along with other varied birdlife.

How long does the main loop trail take? The popular loop near Silly is about 3.4 km long and typically takes under an hour to walk.