Smetleedse forests

The Serskampse forests (or old-Smetleedse forests) in the valley of the Serskampse stream form a forest and nature area of approximately 82 hectares in Wetteren, Wichelen (the district of Serskamp) and Lede in the province of East Flanders. 40 hectares of the area is purchased and managed by the Agency for Nature and Forest, and Natuurpunt manages the nature reserve D'Heide and the Nonnenbos. The rest of the forest area is in the hands of private owners. The Serskampse forests are protected at the European level as part of the Natura 2000 area 'Forests of the southeastern Sand Clay Region' (habitat directive area BE2300044).

The area consists of a mosaic of scattered forests (Paelepelbos, Haelbroekbos, Nonnebossen,...) and small landscape elements (hedgerows, ponds, wastelands). The Serskampse stream has carved out a deep valley, originating near the neighborhood of Wolfsgat at an altitude of 22 m. The valley is asymmetrical; the right bank is generally much steeper than the left, and those steep slopes are largely forested. The area is home to golden star, wild chervil, musk herb and heather relics (star-sedge, hairgrass, blue button, spotted orchid, creeping buttercup, tormentil). The area is inhabited by among others, the crested newt, black woodpecker, blue-winged grasshopper, fire salamander, hawk, and wasp-eagle.

Freddy