Cotthembos

Cotthembos (also known as Kottembos) is a forest complex in the East Flanders province of Belgium, spread across the territory of three municipalities: Sint-Lievens-Houtem, Zottegem (sub-municipality Oombergen), and Herzele (sub-municipality Hillegem). The area sits in the valleys of two small streams, the Klokfonteinbeek and the Cotthembeek, forming one of the larger continuous patches of greenery in the Flemish Ardennes, a region known for its rolling hills and patchwork of fields, hedgerows, and woodland.

What does the landscape of Cotthembos look like?

Rather than a single dense forest block, the area is a mosaic of larger and smaller wooded patches alternating with open fields and more enclosed sections of meadow bordered by pollard willows, a landscape feature typical of the region. This alternating pattern of forest, field, and meadow means a walk through Cotthembos offers constantly shifting scenery, from shaded tree lanes to open stretches with views of the surrounding hills.

The dominant forest type is a mixed oak-hornbeam woodland, with an understory rich in forest shrubs and companion trees including maple and hazel alongside the oak and hornbeam. This layered structure, with a dense shrub layer beneath a mature canopy, is characteristic of mature deciduous lowland forests in this part of Europe and supports considerable species diversity.

What wildlife lives in Cotthembos?

The valley and its surrounding woods provide shelter for a varied range of animals. Mammals recorded in the area include the wood mouse and the coypu, a semi-aquatic species tied closely to the streams running through the site. Among tree-dwelling mammals, the European red squirrel is present, finding good foraging conditions in the mixed deciduous forest with its abundance of hazelnuts.

The area is also significant for amphibians, hosting the alpine newt, a species that depends on clean, well-shaded water bodies for breeding. Birdlife is similarly rich: several woodpecker species make use of the mature timber for foraging and nesting cavities, and birds of prey hunt over the more open sections of the valley.

Who manages the area and what protection status does it have?

Cotthembos is a recognized nature area and nature reserve. Part of it is managed by the Flemish government's Agency for Nature and Forest (Agentschap voor Natuur en Bos) under the name "Valley of the Cotthembeek" (Vallei van de Cotthembeek). This status means the site benefits from planned habitat management aimed at preserving the biodiversity of the valley, including the mix of forest, meadow, and watercourses that supports its range of species.

Is Cotthembos suitable for hiking or cycling?

The area lies within the Flemish Ardennes, a region popular with both Belgian residents and visitors for its hilly terrain and dense network of trails. Its position across the borders of three municipalities, Sint-Lievens-Houtem, Zottegem, and Herzele, means the forest can be approached from several directions, making it a convenient starting point for walks that combine woodland with views over the open, agricultural surroundings typical of this part of East Flanders.

Frequently asked questions

Where exactly is Cotthembos located? On the border of three municipalities, Sint-Lievens-Houtem, Zottegem (Oombergen), and Herzele (Hillegem), in the East Flanders province of Belgium.

What type of forest dominates Cotthembos? A mixed oak-hornbeam forest with a rich understory of forest shrubs, maple, and hazel.

What animals live in Cotthembos? Species recorded include the wood mouse, coypu, European red squirrel, alpine newt, and several species of woodpeckers and birds of prey.

Is Cotthembos a protected area? Yes, it is a recognized nature area and reserve, partly managed by the Flemish Agency for Nature and Forest under the name Valley of the Cotthembeek.