Hiking between Mortagne and Orveyt

A walk between and through two young forests that have been planted and maintained by the ANB. In both forests you usually walk through wide avenues, away from motorways, a valley where it is quite quiet, overlooking the valleys of the Scheldt and the Leie on the heights. Boots and/or good walking shoes are recommended in wetter periods. You can walk quietly through the intersections, it goes up and down a bit. But for this you get beautiful views. In the Mortagnebos there is room to play. In the Orveyt Forest you will meet Shetland ponies, who take care of the management of part of the area as grazers of the area. Between the two forests there is a natural area of intertwining, so they can grow together in a natural way. ANB and Natuurpunt Zwevegem continue to acquire land here to convert it into nature. You walk on paved roads, stepping stones, and unpaved slow roads. From time to time, look up to see a buzzard or kestrel. Or through fields and meadows to catch a glimpse of a harrier. Enjoy this walk in this beautiful green agricultural environment.

Departure: Sint-Pietersbrugje in Moen.
This protected drawbridge is a silent witness of the old canal. This protected monument is in urgent need of restoration. Then it can become the most beautiful place in Zwevegem again.

On sunny days you can see water turtles warming up, exotics that have no place here. Look for the junction marker '24' and follow the direction '88'. You will pass the Sint-Pietershof. Formerly known as goat breeder. You might see a few goats walking here.

Along the rural roads (Achterhoek) and after point '88' you cross the Broekenhoek to '87', the Mortagnebos.
The forest (16ha) is very interesting because in the seventies it was one of the first examples of afforestation of agricultural land. The layer of herbs present is not yet so rich. Nevertheless, forest grasses such as forest maple, Solomon harbour seal, weaned grass, March violet and yellow borer have already managed to find the forest on their own.
Many animals have also found their way into the forest. The fox, ferret and ermine and weasel are sometimes noticed. Newcomers are roe deer, red squirrel and acorn mouse. Various species of general birds find a suitable place in the Mortagnebos. Owls also raise their offspring here. A small piece of ancient forest with a swimming pool is now owned by Natuurpunt Zwevegem.

Through the forest, you go to exit '30'. You pass a piece of game forest. Leaving the forest, you follow the Marberstraat, between fields and fields. Gradually, you climb up to the ridge, where you can see windmills towards the Leie and the Scheldt. Here you can clearly see the difference between the more industrialized Leie valley, with lots of buildings, and the more natural Scheldt valley with greener strips and wooded hills. Do you see the Kluisberg and Mont-Saint-Aubert?

From '30' you go through Perrestraat to number '29'. Here you have a beautiful view of the two forests of the promenade.
From '29' we descend to '28', by unpaved roads. For those who are here with a stroller; That's the hardest part; Let's bite the ball!

From '28' to '26', via springboards, passed a chapel and along hedges to reach the 'High Road'. Then we go down to the 'Long Street' along the edge of the forest of Orveyt, to arrive at the '26'. Look for the Vaarttaluds, where many orchids bloom in May and June. The Vaartaluds are managed by natuurpunt. On one side by our ponies and on the other side by the teams of point nature.

We now go into the forest, at No. 25. The forest of Orveyt is a forest and natural reserve of 30 hectares that was created in the late 80s on the slag heap, which was released during the excavations of the Underground. The basement was in too bad condition and the boats became too big for this small tunnel under the mountain. The excavation of the canal thus created the Vaarttaluds. Here you will find forests, swimming pools, hay meadows, bushes and roughs. Ideal for Shetland ponies grazing there. Due to its history, the terrain is highly variable with special spots and limestone clay. Species that love linden, such as the forest orchid, have fun here.
The pools also offer a special life: dragonflies and the rare crested salamander. Every year we catch the water dragon alongside other salamanders such as the small water salamander and the blue alpine water salamander. For the hazel worm, you need a good detective. This legless lizard is a timidly harmless animal that loves the sun and needs to warm up to move. The French species name of the hazel worm is fragile orvet. This could explain the emergence of the toponym Orveyt.

From '25' we descend from the forest to arrive at our starting point '24', where you can possibly quench your thirst in Lucrezia on the Sint-Pietershof.

Practical information:

Department: Natuurpunt Zwevegem
Departure: car park Sint-Pietersbrug, Moen
Distance : 8 km
Accessibility: some difficult points for strollers
Dogs: kept on a leash
Alcohol consumption: start/finish: Sint-Pietershof, Kraaibosstraat 6 in 8552 Moen, open on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, from 15:00. In the period from July 15 to August 15: every day.

For children: the play forest (in Mortagnebos)
Access / public transport: lines 91 and 93 (Keiberg or Statie Moen-Heessert stop) ± 1 km walk
Junction map: 'terre de Mortagne'
More info: Natuurpunt Zwevegem
Node Guide: 24 – 88 – 87 – 30 – 29 – 28 – 26 -25 – 24.

This walk was designed by Bavo De Clercq and has already appeared in Ivy 2016-4. All photos by Luc Dutranoit.

Ivy is the magazine member of Natuur.koepel asbl. More info: http://www.natuurkoepel.be