Torrebos

Torrebos is a small but ecologically valuable forest located southwest of the village of Kleit, within the municipality of Maldegem in East Flanders, in the Meetjesland region, close to the road known as Torredreef. Although the name "Torrebos" is still widely used, since 2016 the area has increasingly been referred to under the broader name "Burkel," following a significant expansion of the site to include several additional, scattered forest patches.

Where does the name come from and what is the forest's history?

Torrebos is a remnant of a much larger forest complex that once covered the area — an oak-birch forest that was partly cleared over time for use by a farm historically linked to the Papinglo abbey. The forest itself, covering roughly 7 hectares, has been owned and managed by the nature conservation organization Natuurpunt since 1998. This long-term stewardship is largely responsible for preserving the site's biodiversity, even as the surrounding landscape was extensively transformed for agriculture.

What larger nature area does Torrebos belong to?

The forest forms part of the wider Burkel-Kapellebossen complex, which also includes the neighboring Kallekesbos. The entire area is protected under the Natura 2000 network, as part of the site known as "Forests and heaths of Sandy Flanders: eastern part." Since 2016, as the protected area grew to around 30 hectares of scattered forest patches, the collective name "Burkel" has become more common, while "Torrebos" now designates one of its original, historic sections.

What kind of nature can be found in Torrebos?

Torrebos is a biologically rich, mixed forest. Its undergrowth includes holly, hawthorn, rowan, and guelder rose. A particular highlight is a group of mature sweet cherry trees, which put on an impressive display of blossom every spring, making the forest especially picturesque at that time of year. A stand of wych elm also grows here. The rich understorey and deadwood support numerous mosses, lichens, and mushrooms, with the latter especially abundant in autumn.

Which animals live in the forest?

Torrebos serves as a breeding site for several birds of prey and woodland species, including goshawk and honey buzzard, as well as woodpeckers. Squirrels build their nests high in the tree canopy, often among tangles of wild honeysuckle. Roe deer are also present in the area. This diversity of wildlife reflects the good ecological condition of the forest, despite its relatively modest size compared to the region's historic woodlands.

How is the site managed today?

Natuurpunt manages the area with two parallel goals: keeping the forest accessible to visitors, and gradually removing non-native species that do not belong in the local ecosystem. The long-term aim is to restore an open to semi-open, small-scale mosaic landscape resembling what likely existed here historically, before the surrounding land was converted for agricultural use.

Frequently asked questions

Is Torrebos the same as Burkel? Torrebos is one of the historic sections of what is now a larger, expanded area collectively known as Burkel, a name that became more common after the 2016 expansion.

Who manages the forest? The conservation organization Natuurpunt, which has owned the site since 1998.

What trees dominate Torrebos? It is a mixed forest, notable for its sweet cherry trees and wych elm, with an understorey of holly, hawthorn, and rowan.

Is the area legally protected? Yes, it is part of the Natura 2000 network, included within the forests and heaths of Sandy Flanders protected complex.