One of the most visited forests on the outskirts of Antwerp. The forest is a fun day trip for both families and nature lovers. The long straight avenues make walking with a buggy or wheelchair easy. In the middle of the forest you will find brasserie De Melkerij, where you can rest for a while while the children romp in the adjacent playground or play a game of mini golf. On the edge of the Peerdsbos there is the challenging Stoerwoud in the provincial sports centre.
A varied forest
The forest consists mainly of deciduous trees such as summer oak, beech, rowan and black alder. Old forest species such as dalekruid, bracken, pale-spored wood violet, lily of the valley and hazel also grow here.
The 149 hectare forest is a unique habitat for various bird species, bats, butterflies and deer. Black woodpecker, great spotted woodpecker, middle spotted woodpecker, jay, nuthatch, tree creeper, willow warbler and chiffchaff live and breed here. The University of Antwerp has been researching the tit population for over thirty years.
The Laarse Beek, which meanders through the Peerdsbos, has been a European Habitat Directive area since 2002. The fish species present and their habitat therefore enjoy European protection. Thanks to the good water quality of the Laarse Beek, you can also discover rare fish species, such as the river bullhead. The presence of meadow stream damselflies and forest stream damselflies is further proof of the good water quality of the stream.
Due to exceptional natural values, part of Peerdsbos is closed to the public. In that zone, nature is given priority and management is focused on a resting area for deer and other animals. Dogs are welcome, but must be kept on a leash.