Top 20 Lakes around Erpe-Mere

what a beautiful region, nature a volonté

The Aelmoeseneiebos (or Aalmoezenijebos) is a nature reserve on the territory of the municipalities of Melle (Gontrode) and Oosterzele (Landskouter). The forest is 28.5 hectares in size and is owned by the University of Ghent. The forest area is now managed by the university Lab for Forest & Nature. The railway line Ghent-Geraardsbergen divides the forest in two. The Aelmoeseneiebos is an old forest area that already appeared on the Ferraris map in 1775. The forest was owned by the Saint Bavo's Abbey of Ghent for centuries. During the French period (1794-1815) it was transferred to the public poor relief of the city of Ghent. In 1967-1968 the Belgian State bought the forest so that the University of Ghent could use it as a test forest. The most important tree species are summer oak and beech, with ash and maple in the stream valleys. The Aelmoeseneiebos is known for its spring flora such as wood anemone, slender primrose, yellow dead-nettle and small periwinkle. During the First World War, the forest was largely cut down but replanted in 1920. Adjacent to the western part of the Aelmoeseneiebos, 10 hectares of plots of land belonging to Natuurpunt, Oosterzele department, are located in the valley of the Gondebeek. With the 'Rodeland landscape project' [1], the aim is to connect the Aelmoeseneiebos with the Makegemse forests through afforestation in the valleys of the Gondebeek, Kerkesbeek and Driesbeek[2][3]. In 2021, 5 amphibian tunnels were constructed in the Gondebeek valley[4]. Inventories and research in the Aelmoeseneiebos found 1329 different species: including 64 tree and shrub species and 599 species of invertebrates. The Aelmoeseneiebos is protected in Europe as part of the Natura 2000 area (habitat directive area) 'Forests of the south-east of the Zandleemstreek' (BE2300044). The forest is freely accessible on the footpaths.

This nature reserve is a remnant of an extensive forest area that gradually had to make way for agriculture in the 18th century. The surrounding land and the forest were owned for centuries by the Aalmoezenij, the poor relief of the Ghent Saint Bavo's Abbey. The production of wood was the main function at that time. The forest was purchased by the Belgian state in 1967-1968 so that the University of Ghent could use it as a test forest. In the early years, it was mainly used for studies on the growth and management of forests with a view to wood production. It also had a recreational and educational function. Railway line 122 Melle-Geraardsbergen divides the forest in two. In the western part (where we walked) an arboretum was created in 1973. With the 'Rodeland landscape project', the aim is to connect the Aelmoeseneiebos with the Makegemse forests through further afforestation of a number of stream valleys.

If you like water while walking, this is the place for you...

During the preparation of the works, all areas of the castle and the outbuildings were cleared of "disturbing elements", so that the rooms now show their spaciousness of yesteryear in all their glory. Some interesting notes also emerged that provide a unique view of the history of the castle. This is how they came across the signatures of the craftsmen who worked in the castle in the distant past. Source: https://www.berlare.be/

In-depth restoration work on the castle has started since May 2023. The historic castle, outbuildings and orangery will be repurposed as the administrative center for municipal services. The works will last two years. The castle park will remain accessible during the works. Although certain parts are currently closed due to the site organization and the safety of visitors. The castle is now barely visible (as my photos show).

A beautiful and educational green walk through a unique forest! In beautiful autumn weather we enjoyed the variety of this forest and the information we received during the walk from the signs provided. The open parts of the walk with the views and the view of the old airport are also worth a visit. Recommended !

This forest is owned by Ghent University and is managed by Labo voor Bos en Natuur. This area has been forested since the end of the 18th century, but was cut down during the First World War and redeveloped shortly afterwards (1920). The forest is intersected by the Ghent-Zottegem railway line. In the western part there is an arboretum with a great diversity of trees.