The Hannecartbos was created in the 1920s on an area of grasslands and dune fields. The then owner, the Hannecart family, wanted to create a hunting estate there. The intended purpose was not primarily to promote biodiversity, which is why fast-growing tree species were chosen.
Not all 48 hectares of the area were forested. There is grassland on the northeastern edge, as well as on the southern edge, where a small zone of early medieval kopps dunes also occurs. Here and there the forest still shows park-like features, such as a wild lane with the trees neatly arranged.
After purchase by the government and protection as a nature reserve, a drastic restoration program was drawn up for the forest. For example, dying trees are cut down on an area of six hectares to restore the original grasslands. The Shetland ponies are grazed in defined areas. The stream is being cleaned up and its course is regulated by weirs. Targeted plantings of native tree species should, in the long term, ensure that the forest shows a greater variety, resulting in an increased natural value.
(dekust.be)
It is a beautiful area to walk through.