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A forest recognised and listed by UNESCO
The Sonian Forest gained UNESCO World Heritage status in 2017, highlighting its ecological and historical value. It is the only natural site in Belgium with this recognition. Five areas are designated as integral forest reserves. They can be found in the Joseph Zwaenepoel Reserve, Grippensdelle and the Ticton Forest Reserve.
These areas are part of a group of ancient and primeval beech forests across 18 European countries, covering about 980 square kilometres. The Sonian Forest represents an invaluable link in the ecological chain, showcasing the evolution of European beech ecosystems since the last Ice Age.
Even though the actual reserves are not on the UN trail itself, visitors will still discover a significant feature of the Sonian Forest: its vast number of beech trees covering more than half of its surface. In addition, the forest is home to many trees with trunks over 80cm wide – on average, five such trees per hectare.
The new UN Trail shows how the UNESCO status supports the forest’s mission to promote ecosystem restoration and environmental protection. The site’s forest management allows diverse species to coexist, highlighting the importance of preserving natural heritage.
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Publish date : 2024-10-23 02:29:00
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