Hollow way

We come across a sunken path with beech, sessile oak, and hornbeam. A sunken path is a road or path where the surface is lower than the surrounding land. Centuries of use of the same path, either on foot or with horse and cart, has led to a natural erosion process. Loose soil washed away with rainwater, causing the path to deepen year after year.

Sunken paths are typical small landscape elements in hilly regions with a clayey subsoil. Most sunken paths likely originated from the Middle Ages. Due to a growing population, farmers increasingly cleared more land and new paths were formed. Some sunken paths, however, are even older and date back to Roman times. Therefore, sunken paths carry a piece of history and are part of our cultural heritage.

In addition to their cultural-historical value, sunken paths also have significant ecological value. Due to their sunken position, a microclimate prevails in sunken paths, especially when the verges are forested. It is sheltered from the wind, shady, moist, cooler in the summer, and milder in the winter than 'outside'.

Agentschap voor Natuur en Bos