Park Schaveys

Park Schaveys is a sizeable green area straddling the border between the municipalities of Linkebeek and Beersel, in the Pajottenland-Zenne region south of Brussels, Belgium. Covering nearly 55 hectares, it is one of the more surprisingly unspoiled natural sites this close to the Belgian capital.

What does the landscape look like?

The park sits in a valley with varied terrain, crossed by sunken historic pathways that wind through both deciduous and coniferous woodland. In spring, the forest floor comes alive with plants typical of damp woodland — marsh marigold, cowslip and cuckooflower carpet the wetter sections, while mature beech trees stand out among the older tree stock. Beyond the woods, the park also includes orchards, meadows and a number of natural springs, around which interesting aquatic life has developed, from small invertebrates to amphibians that thrive in the cooler, mineral-rich water.

What facilities does the park offer visitors?

Park Schaveys is not only a place for quiet walks. At its southern end lies one of the largest enclosed off-leash dog areas in the Flemish Region, covering roughly 5.5 hectares, where dogs can run freely without a leash. A number of the walking paths through the park have been paved, making sections of the site accessible to wheelchair users and to visitors with limited mobility — a detail that broadens the appeal of the park well beyond dog owners and casual walkers.

Why is this site important for nature research?

At the lowest point of the park stands a research station affiliated with the Research Institute for Nature and Forest (INBO), where scientists work on breeding programmes for ecologically sensitive and valuable freshwater fish species, including burbot, spirlin, crucian carp and brook trout. The presence of such a facility underlines the ecological value of the valley and its role in preserving fish biodiversity in the region's watercourses.

Who should visit Park Schaveys?

The park suits travellers looking for a quiet, low-key nature outing close to Brussels, away from the crowds of the city's more famous sights. Its network of paths supports both a short stroll and a longer route through forest, orchards and wetland areas, making it flexible for different time budgets. Nature watchers, families with children and dog owners will all find something to enjoy here, and the partially paved paths mean visitors with reduced mobility are not excluded either.

Frequently asked questions

Where exactly is Park Schaveys located? The park lies on the border between the municipalities of Linkebeek and Beersel, in the province of Flemish Brabant, south of Brussels.

Can dogs run off-leash in the park? Yes — the southern end of the park has an enclosed off-leash area of about 5.5 hectares, one of the largest of its kind in Flanders.

Is the park accessible for wheelchair users? A number of the walking paths are paved, allowing wheelchair access to parts of the site.

What is worth seeing in the park in spring? Look out for wetland wildflowers such as marsh marigold, cowslip and cuckooflower, as well as the older beech trees in the forested sections.

Is scientific research carried out in the park? Yes, a research station at the lowest point of the park studies the breeding of endangered freshwater fish species.