Makegemse bossen

Makegemse bossen is a roughly 200-hectare forest complex in the Merelbeke-Melle area of East Flanders, Belgium, spreading across the villages of Schelderode, Melsen and Munte. The name comes from the old hamlet of Makegem, around which a patchwork of smaller woodlands gradually took shape, separated by farmland and meadows.

What does the complex actually consist of?

Despite the single collective name, Makegemse bossen is not one continuous forest but a group of separate wooded patches, each with its own name: Makegembos, Heilig-Geestgoed, Harentbeekbos, Bruinbos, Nerenbos, Makenbos, Luisdonkbos (also called Huisdonkbos) and Hogenbos. Each patch has a slightly different character, but all share a canopy dominated by mature beech mixed with ash, hornbeam, hazel, wild service tree and rowan.

Why is the area protected?

The forests form part of the Flemish Ecological Network and, at the European level, fall under the Natura 2000 designation as part of the larger "Forests of the southeastern sandy loam region" site. That status reflects the well-preserved, mixed deciduous stands and the rich forest-floor flora typical of old woodland in this part of Flanders.

What can visitors see in spring?

Spring is the best time to visit, when the forest floor fills with flowers characteristic of fertile deciduous woodland: wood anemone, cowslip, musk stork's-bill, wild hyacinth (bluebell), herb Paris and Solomon's seal. This seasonal carpet of blooms draws both nature lovers and photographers to the area.

What wildlife lives here?

Roe deer and squirrels move through the woods, while buzzards, honey buzzards and several woodpecker species can be spotted overhead. In the damper corners of the complex, salamanders find a natural breeding habitat among the old deciduous stands and their scattered pools of water.

How can the area be explored?

Makegemse bossen is a popular destination for walking and hiking. Several marked routes cross the area, measuring 4, 6, 7 and 8 kilometres, catering to different fitness levels — including a route considered suitable for families with children roughly aged 3 to 12. The paths alternate between the interior of the individual forest patches and the open farmland between them, giving walkers a changing view of dense old woodland next to the region's typical agricultural landscape.

Frequently asked questions

Where exactly is Makegemse bossen located? The complex lies in the Merelbeke-Melle municipality in East Flanders, covering areas around Schelderode, Melsen and Munte.

Is it suitable for a family walk? Yes, among the marked trails there is a 4 km route considered suitable even for young children.

When is the best time to visit? Spring, when the forest floor flowers are at their peak, including carpets of wood anemone and wild hyacinth.

Is the area under nature protection? Yes, it is part of the Flemish Ecological Network and the EU's Natura 2000 network.