03 nov 2025
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New Tree Species for Climate-Resilient Forests in Flanders

By Alexia Bekaert, based on a research conducted by KU Leuven scientists as part of the Climate Trees Project

Flemish forests are facing new challenges. Droughts, storms, diseases, and declining vitality are putting traditional species under pressure. For private forest owners, this raises an important question: Which trees will help forests stay strong and healthy in a changing climate?

Landelijk Vlaanderen supports its members in tackling these challenges with climate-smart forest management. Our goal is to help forest owners maintain biodiversity, timber production, carbon storage, and recreational value. All while adapting to rapidly changing conditions.

Scientific research offers valuable guidance. Projects such as the Climate Trees Project, led by KU Leuven and supported by the Agency for Nature and Forests (ANB), identify tree species and provenances that are more resilient to cliamte stress. The research suggests mixing local species with those from regions that resemble Flanders’ projected future climate. This approach, known as assisted migration, helps forests retain genetic divesity and ecological function under changing conditions.

Some key principles for building resilient forests include:

  • Species diversity: planting a mix of tree types to ensure the forest can withstand pests, disease, and extreme weather.
  • Functional diversity: choosing trees that perform different roles in the ecosystem, like fixing nitrogen, providing habitat, or stabilising soil.
  • Redundancy: having multiple species with similar functions so the forest continues to thrive even if some trees fail.

Practical experimentation and monitoring are hereby key to see which species survive, grow well, and support wildlife. Integrating provenances from southern European can further boost genetic variability and adaptability.

For private forest owners in Flanders, climate-adaptive management is no longer optional. By carefully selecting species, mixing provenances, and manageing for resilience, private forests can become strong ecosystems ready to face the future.

Landelijk Vlaanderen provides guidance, tools, and advice to help members implement these practices, ensuring that forsts continue to provide ecological, social, and economic benefits for generations to come.

Find the link to SMURF website: here.

Find the link to the report:  here.

If you would like to get started yourself, you can download and use the Climate Tree Tool via the QR code.

Climate Trees tool: here

Guidelines for Climate Trees tool: here

29 okt 2025
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Public Access and Private Property: Finding the Right Balance in Flanders

By Alexia Bekaert, based on legal analysis by Stijn Verbist, Jadzia Talboom, and Gaël Bedert (Verbist Advocatuur)

In Flanders, the pressure on private property rights continues to grow. Authorities set new spatial and environmental targets, while citizens and advocacy groups increasingly call for access to private land. Walking and cycling routes often cross privately owned forests and fields, creating tension between public enjoyment of the countryside and the rights of landowners.

As the organisation representing private land and forest owners, Landelijk Vlaanderen believes that both interests must be respected. Public access is valuable, but so is the protection of private property. Clear rules, fair procedures, and mutual respect are essential to maintain this balance.

The legal framework in Flanders is complex. Three main sources define the rights and obligations regarding access to private land: the Municipal Roads Decree, the Civil Code, and constitutional and international protections under the European Convention on Human Rights. Together, these define when a path is public, what powers municipalities hold, and how far private ownership extends.

Landowners are well protected by law. Expropriation is only allowed if the public interest clearly requires it, and only with fair and prior compensation. The Civil Code also confirms that ownership includes full authority over the property and that these rights do not expire through non-use.

In practice, defending these rights often requires initiative from the owner. Authorities do not automatically intervene in cases of trespassing or damage. Landowners must act to recover losses or challenge unlawful decisions, although legal remedies and appeal procedures are available.

Through the SMURF project, Landelijk Vlaanderen continues to inform and support private landowners about their rights, obligations, and best practices. Maintaining a healthy balance between accessibility and ownership is vital for sustainable management of the Flemish countryside, for today and for future generations.

Link to SMURF website: here