Makegem forests

The Makegem forests form a forest and nature reserve of about 200 hectares in Merelbeke in the province of East Flanders. The forest complex is named after the hamlet of Makegem. The area consists of a mosaic of different forests surrounded by agricultural area. The Makegem forests are part of the Flemish Ecological Network and are protected in Europe as part of natura 2000 area 'Forests of the southeast of the Zandleemstreek'. They are predominantly beech forests with spring flora such as forest anemone, slender primrose, muskweed, wild hyacinth, uniberry, common solomon's seal and valley herb. There are deer and squirrels, as well as the hawk, wasp thief, spotted woodpecker, green woodpecker, black woodpecker, crested salamander, fire salamander, alpine water salamander, fin-footed salamander, small water salamander. In 2012, the pine marten was seen there. With the 'landscape project Rodeland' they want to connect the Makegem forests with the Aelmoeseneiebos by afforestation in the valleys of the Gondebeek, Kerkesbeek and Driesbeek.

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