Here we always have the nature of Elewijt nearby. These fields are the realm of lapwings,
larks, pheasants, partridges, kestrels, buzzards etc. In early spring we can see
lapwings winging and conquer a territory and a female with their antics. Larks go
up twinkling until there is only a dot to be seen, after which they fall from the sky like a stone.
It is not surprising that we see so much life here because we are
on the edge of the Steentjesbos. This is the realm of
blackbirds, robins, finch, nuthatch, wren,
green and spotted woodpeckers, blue tits, great tits, etc.
buzzards, tawny owls and black woodpeckers also come here to breed. They
find sufficient shelter, food and nesting opportunities in the forest. In the spring we find a rich spring flora of, among other things,
celandine, wood anemone, primrose,
ground ivy, etc.
In the winter period, many species find a good
wintering place here. The Steentjesbos is, just like the
Schiplakenbos and the Snijsselsbos, a remnant of the
former Brabant coal forest. There was probably already a forest here in the 12th century. It is certain that reforestation
has been carried out since around 1850.
Thanks to the great diversity of flora and fauna, this
forest is a gem in the region. Together with the domain of
Sport Vlaanderen in Hofstade, the Schiplakenbos and the
Snijsselsbos, the Steentjesbos forms a natural connection
area with valuable to very valuable nature
that must be preserved and protected. (Tourism Zemst)