Turnhout (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Turnhout begins planting the 25-hectare De Wieltjes City Forest. Peter Segers and Bas Van der Veken lead efforts to plant 15 native tree species with help from local schools.
As VRT News reported, Turnhout has started planting trees for the new De Wieltjes City Forest on Steenbakkerslaan. The forest will cover around 25 hectares. Part of the land was bought with subsidies from the Flemish government. A city official said that because public funds were used, the entire area must be reforested.
“We see in the figures that a lot of trees are being cut down. This isn’t a Turnhout phenomenon, but it’s the case everywhere. For example, many trees are being cut down because a site is to be converted into building land. We want to do something about this so that the number of trees in Turnhout increases significantly again,”
says Segers.
What impact will Turnhout’s De Wieltjes city forest have?
Officials mentioned that the forest is planned to serve both nature and the community. It will create a green zone on the edge of the city and a play area for children.
“We see in the figures that many trees are being cut down, and we want to do something about that.”
Peter Segers, Alderman for Public Domain (Vooruit)
Around 15 different tree species will be planted in the new De Wieltjes City Forest.
“We’ve chosen native species, such as oak and linden. These are trees that can grow naturally here, but are not common anymore. To give the forest a good start, we’re also planting several tall trees, such as poplars. They can protect the smaller trees, so they also thrive,”
explains Bas Van der Veken of the Kleine en Grote Nete Regional Landscape.
Several primary schools are taking part in the work and helping with the planting. Children were shown how to prepare each tree and what steps to follow.
“We’re here today to plant trees,”
says Tuur. He explains that the holes were made earlier.
“We place the tree in the hole, cover it with soil, and press it down with our feet. At the end, we pull the tree to check if it is standing firmly.”
“We’re doing this because we want more nature and oxygen,”
says Alexander.
“It’s also a lot of fun. We’ll be able to romp around here, play hide-and-seek, and do many other things.”
“It’s sometimes difficult to plant a tree. Sometimes they’re too firmly planted, but it’s very important that we do this for the animals and, of course, for us as well,”
says Ariana.
Project coordinator Segers says the layout will support visitors in the future.
“We want to keep the avenues in the forest so they can become a large walking area,”
he says. Plans also include ponds and wadis that will collect rainwater. These additions will help manage water on the site and create more natural habitats.
“Currently, there are also some leasehold plots. These won’t be available until 2030, but we certainly intend to plant trees there as well. Currently, another portion of the land is privately owned. We might be able to purchase that later.”
“In the best-case scenario, this forest will live for hundreds of years or even centuries. What we’re doing here today is also a part of it for future generations,”
says Van der Veken.
Turnhout began working on the De Wieltjes City Forest after the city bought the land in 2022 and 2023 with help from Flemish reforestation funds. The project links to the Flemish plan launched in 2020 to expand forest areas by 2030.
Preparations on the site, including soil checks and early layout plans, started in early 2024. Local schools and neighbourhood groups were invited to join the planting days that began in late 2024. The forest will continue to grow in the next few years, with paths, ponds, and play zones planned through 2025 and 2026.
