호가든‬에서 가장 멋진 ‪20‬개의 천연기념물

Already 304 years old? Time flies!

Through nature reserve Koebos where you are here or one of the other nature reserves in the valley of the Molenbeek. Chalky soil with lots of mistletoe in the trees. More about Koebos on https://www.komoot.com/nl-nl/highlight/2666792

Between Bierbeek and Lubbeek lies the Koebos, a beautiful old oak forest with beautiful spring flora. Mineral-rich spring zones in the valley provide remarkable plants. You can also enjoy a lovely walk in the impressive castle park. Since the Koebos acquired the status of nature reserve, the diversity of species has increased enormously. Hay meadows with meadowsweet, cuckoo flower and cuckoo flower have appeared. In the spring, the forest is coloured by the celandine and wood anemone, later followed by the Solomon's seal, the beetle orchid and the broad-leaved wasp orchid. Source: https://www.natuurpunt.be/natuurgebieden/koebos Characteristics of the Koebos also include its location in the Molenbeek valley: a calcareous soil, as evidenced by the many mistletoes and the giant horsetail.

Beautiful but swampy forest. In rainy periods boots are a must!

The Tomberg is the second highest place in the forest (102 m). It is not a prehistoric burial mound (or tomb) as our ancestors thought, but a natural elevation, a dune mound that millions of years ago, together with the Mommendeel mound, actually protruded above the sea at that time. It is here that the illustrious forest court sat for hundreds of years. In the Middle Ages, every free man was in principle allowed to hunt without restriction in forests, meadows and swamps. The big exception were the free forests, the private forests of the dukes. Meerdaalwoud was such a free forest and hunting rights belonged exclusively to the Duke of Arenberg. At first the forest court was itinerant and justice was administered in the various villages. Later, a special building was erected here on the Tomberg for the court hearings. Later still, a hearing was held at Heverlee castle. The punishments were not lenient, but it is thanks to that forest justice that the forest still exists today and has not been sacrificed to the needs of the farmers and citizens in the area. The forest right came to an end with the arrival of the French in 1795. You can read this - and much more - at https://www.onroerenderfgoed.be/archeologische-fietstocht-heverlee

The bench is partly broken, the gazebo is a bit outdated, but it remains wonderful under that tree with a view of heather and ferns. Especially at this time of year, this is a wonderful place for those who love quiet places full of ferns that strive to become the largest and have the most beautiful shades of green. Some of the small paths at the base of the hill are near small stretches of water with life. Those seeking peace and quiet come here outside busier periods to enjoy a jungle of ferns in a wonderful open space. The views from the paths below to the ferns on the hillsides demand beautiful photos.

Jesus on the mountain...

Until 1989, the steep Kalvariebos (83 m) was part of the nearby castle park 't Serclaes. The beech forest is now owned by the municipality of Lubbeek. A calvary group - founded around 1860 out of devotion by the devout 't Serclaes family - adorns the hilltop. In 1992 the municipality installed three new statues. In a lower part of the forest, you can have a picnic at one of the tables or rest in the witches' circle, formed by a remarkable group of beech trees. Also behind the crucifix above you will find a picnic table and in front of it is a small bench. In a lower part of the forest, you can have a picnic at one of the tables or rest in the witches' circle, formed by a remarkable group of beech trees. You will also find a picnic table behind the crucifix above and a small bench in front of it. Source calvary group: https://www.rlnh.be/assets/images/rl-noordhageland/Publicaties%20-%20Aan%20de%20slag/05_RLNH_Lubbeek.pdf