Sonian Forest

The component part is situated on a plateau between the Zenne and Dijle rivers. Even though only 10 kilometres from Brussels, this is a unique Atlantic beech forest in Western Europe. It impresses with its numerous over 180-year-old beeches and plenty of dead wood. As a result, the biodiversity of the forest is high. Almost 600 species of beetle live here, among them many rare species typical for primeval forests.

• UNESCO recognition: 2017
• Protected area: Forest Reserves
• Beech forest region: Atlantic
• Area: 269.31 ha
• Number of component parts: 5
• Altitudinal range: planar (65 – 130 m above sea level)
• Fauna: Bechstein’s bat, Middle spotted woodpecker, Stag beetle