Meikensbossen

Meikensbossen is a 63-hectare woodland and meadow area located northwest of the town of Dentergem, in the Belgian province of West Flanders. The site stretches directly south of the Poelberg hill and is also known under the alternative name Vijverbos, a reference to the ponds found within its boundaries.

Where does the name Meikensbossen come from?

The name of the area traces back to an old inn called 't Meyken, first mentioned as far back as 1641. Over time the surrounding forest took on the name of this tavern, and it has remained the name used for the whole nature area to this day.

What is the history behind this forest?

Roughly two hundred years ago, the land now known as Meikensbossen was part of a much larger forest complex called Dendrombosch. During the 19th century this forest gradually broke apart as land use changed and woodland was cleared piece by piece. The area suffered further losses during the world wars, when large sections of trees were cut down for firewood. As a result of this long process of fragmentation, only about 5 hectares of the original forest survived intact.

What has changed since 2000?

A turning point came in the year 2000, when the Flemish regional government began systematically purchasing land surrounding the surviving old forest core. Since then the area has been gradually reforested, with restoration work guided by three goals at once: nature conservation, sustainable timber production, and the development of low-impact, nature-friendly recreation. As a result, today's Meikensbossen combines older stands of trees with newly planted forest sections.

Who manages the area and what does it contain?

Meikensbossen is managed by the Agentschap voor Natuur en Bos (Agency for Nature and Forest), the Flemish body responsible for protecting and maintaining green spaces across the region. Across its 63 hectares, the site includes both old and newly planted woodland, meadows and pastures, and a number of small ponds — the source of the area's alternative name, Vijverbos, meaning "pond forest."

What can visitors do at Meikensbossen?

The varied landscape — alternating forest, open meadows, and wetter areas around the ponds — makes the area well suited to walking. A network of paths allows visitors to explore on foot at a relaxed pace, and the mix of habitats keeps the route from feeling monotonous: older stands of trees give way to younger plantations and then to open meadow, all within a single walk.

Where exactly is the area located?

Meikensbossen lies to the northwest of the center of the municipality of Dentergem, directly south of the Poelberg, one of the notable landmarks of this part of West Flanders. The area's approximate coordinates are 50.977°N, 3.376°E.

Frequently asked questions

How large is Meikensbossen? It covers an area of approximately 63 hectares.

Where does the name Meikensbossen come from? It derives from an old inn called 't Meyken, documented since 1641.

Who manages the area? The Flemish Agency for Nature and Forest (Agentschap voor Natuur en Bos).

Can you go for a walk in Meikensbossen? Yes, the area has walking paths running through forest, meadows, and land around its ponds.