Serskampse bossen

Serskampse bossen is a forest complex of roughly 82 hectares stretching along the valley of the Serskampse beek stream, spanning three municipalities in the province of East Flanders: Wetteren, Wichelen (specifically the sub-municipality of Serskamp), and Lede. It ranks among the larger and better-preserved woodland areas in this part of Belgium, combining old deciduous stands with wet meadows and remnants of heathland.

What makes this forest area unique?

The land is not held by a single owner but forms a mosaic managed by different organizations. About forty hectares were acquired by the Flemish Agency for Nature and Forests (Agentschap voor Natuur en Bos), which oversees conservation here under the name "Vallei van de Serskampse beek" (Valley of the Serskampse Stream). The nature organization Natuurpunt manages other sections known as D'Heide, Nonnenbos, and Eetgoedweide. The remainder of the forest is privately owned, meaning not every corner is freely accessible — visitors are advised to stick to marked paths.

Which plants and animals live here?

The richness of flora and fauna is what sets this area apart regionally. Among the plant species found here are yellow star-of-Bethlehem (bosgeelster), May lily (dalkruid), and moschatel (muskuskruid), alongside relics of former heathland such as star sedge (sterzegge), thread rush (draadrus), devil's-bit scabious (blauwe knoop), spotted orchid (gevlekte orchis), climbing corydalis (liggende vleugeltjesbloem), and tormentil. This combination points to long habitat continuity and a variety of moisture conditions across the terrain.

The animal life is equally noteworthy. In the stream valley, visitors may encounter the blue-winged grasshopper (blauwvleugelsprinkhaan), the great crested newt (kamsalamander), and the fire salamander (vuursalamander) — species of insects and amphibians sensitive to habitat quality and humidity. Among birds, the black woodpecker (zwarte specht), the northern goshawk (havik), and the honey buzzard (wespendief) have all been recorded; the latter is a raptor that feeds mainly on the larvae of wasps and other hymenopterans.

Why is the area protected?

Serskampse bossen is protected at the European level as part of the Natura 2000 site known as "Bossen van het zuidoosten van de Zandleemstreek" (Forests of the southeastern sandy-loam region). This designation confirms the exceptional ecological value of the woodland complex on a continental scale and comes with obligations to preserve the habitats and species found here.

Frequently asked questions

Are there hiking trails through Serskampse bossen? Yes, the area is a popular destination for walks and hikes, with marked routes running through different sections of the forest, including the stream valley and the former heathland fragments.

Is the entire area open to visitors? Not entirely — part of the forest is privately owned. Visitors are encouraged to stay on designated paths, particularly in the sections managed by Natuurpunt and the Agency for Nature and Forests, where habitat protection takes priority.

What sets this forest apart from other wooded areas in the region? The combination of old deciduous forest, a stream valley, and heathland relics within one relatively compact complex supports a level of species diversity rarely found in such a small area — which is precisely why it holds Natura 2000 protection status.

Where exactly is Serskampse bossen located? The complex lies on the border of the municipalities of Wetteren, Wichelen (Serskamp sub-municipality), and Lede, in the province of East Flanders, a short distance from Ghent.