Flowering season 2014
info: in the central part of the forest, (in the ‘Achtdreven’) trees have been felled this year (wood extraction). Trunks and crowns are lying in various places in that part of the forest and there are piles of firewood along the trails. From 1 March to 30 June however, the wood extraction stops (“schoon” time) and the loggers are not allowed to continue their work. “Schoon” time comes from the German “Schonen” meaning ‘save’, ‘protect’. The “schoon” period helps to protect the vegetation (spring flowers), to ‘ save’ and not to disturb the nesting birds.
A second misty morning during the flowering this year. But afterwards, beautiful sunny weather to enjoy the quiet walking paths in the fairytale forest.
Due to the cold, the high beeches are getting leaves slowly, and not all of them are. So the bluebells can come in bloom beautifully. The sun and the fresh green leaves of the smaller beeches combine for a wonderful show of light and shadow over the purple-blue sea of flowers. According to the weather forecast, Wednesday and Thursday will be beautiful. If you want to enjoy the splendour of spring in quiet, it’s better to come in the week than at the weekend.
The Hallerbos really spoils us this year. Early visitors, looking for a beautiful sunrise, get a mystical misty morning. The slopes of ‘Tranendal’ are getting their purple-blue colour, too. This purple-blue and transparent green game of colours can be enjoyed the following days.
After some days of sun, this is a day with diffuse light, but this is just as beautiful. The high beeches aren’t getting leaves yet. So things look good for the Easter weekend. If you prefer to walk in peace and quiet in the forest, it’s best to come in the week. It can be very busy here on Sundays in this period of the blue flowers.
More and more bluebells keep appearing. Even the valleys are now getting the intense blue purple colour of spring. The high beeches play the game and give the bluebells every opportunity to enjoy the sun. Things are looking great for the Easter weekend, the beautiful period might last until then. On some places, a fern leaf appears between the bluebells, but they still go quite unnoticed. Bear’s garlic has also started flowering.
Wonderful weather for walking. Spring is in full force in the forest, giving it a more and more purple shade every day. The high beeches aren’t in leaf yet so the sunlight reaches the forest floor and the bluebells are given every opportunity to thrive. Even if the beeches start getting leaves tomorrow, we still have about one week to experience this magical sight.