This research is conducted as part of an EU Horizon 2020 project exploring urban forests as nature-based solutions in Europe and China. The projects aim is to examine the management of military forests using a case study in Belgium.
In Belgium, military domains are amongst the most unspoilt and extensive natural habitats. The case study is the largest of these military domains (55km²) and it consists of a number of large forest cores interconnected with open heathland, grassland and fens.
The case study offers a rare insight into this mosaic natural landscape, with its forested areas and fauna species (e.g., wild boar, wolves, rare birds and insects). The military domain and associated nature is not in isolation though as the area sits amidst five municipalities.
