Flowering season 2015
info: in the northern part of the forest, called ‘Nootheide’, 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.
The canopy of oaks and beeches is getting dense. The carpet of bluebells seems to light up in the evening. This is the last phase of what has been a beautiful, magical time of flowering.
Another beautiful day to enjoy the magical game of light and springcolours in the Hallerbos.
If the weather forecast is right, tomorrow will be a better day than Sunday to visit the Hallerbos and to enjoy the violet-blue and fresh green spring colours. The sunlight is still able to reach the bluebells.
You get a last chance to experience the unique spring atmosphere in the purple blue fairy tale forest tomorrow and the coming weekend. The beeches and oaks have leaves now. Fortunately, these young leaves are still transparent and let some of the sunlight through to the bluebells. Shadow and light cause slight variations in the shades of purple and enhance the spell. In the meantime, many other plants are flourishing. Bear’s Garlic, Garlic Mustard, Yellow Archangel, Lords-and-ladies, Common Dog Violet, Solomon’s seal, Greater Stitchwort and Pendulous sedge.
The canopy is getting more dense as the beeches are getting more leaves. Only some of the sunlight can still reach the bluebells. As long as the bluebells get enough sunlight, they ‘ll keep their purple-blue colour. If you visit the forest on 1 May, you’ll just see the end of the most beautiful period.
There’s some excellent news for the animals in the forest and its many visitors. The City of Halle has decided to close Hallerbos completely for through traffic, as it is a major European nature area. The current arrangement (the forest is closed on Sundays and holidays) will become permanent. This will happen in two phases: In the initial phase (from 1 July 2015) the Vlasmarktdreef and Eikendreef between the Achtdreven and the entrance at the Vroenenbos will be closed. Parking 5 and 6 cannot be reached by car. In the final phase (in 2016) the Lorkendreef will be closed between the Achtdreven and the Kapittel. Parking 4 at the Dries will be enlarged. There will be a parking at the Kapittel. Meanwhile, the current arrangement is being kept. There will be a permanent speed limit of 30 km/h, to heighten the experience of nature in quiet.
On Friday 1 May, Saturday 2 May and Sunday 3 May the forest is open for the public, but it is closed for through traffic. Parking 5 and 6 will not be accessible by car (as is the case on every Sunday). So please take into account that parking 8 ‘Achtdreven’ will only be accessible by car from the Nijvelsesteenweg and not from Dworp. Another beautiful day in the woods, thanks to the sun and the clouds.