Ecological forest management in the Withoefse Heide using draft horses

In the Withoefse Heide, a subarea of the Grenspark Kalmthoutse Heide, the Agency for Nature and Forests is working to make the area more fire-safe. The management works consist of two main phases: first, the widening of an existing path to improve accessibility for emergency services, and second, the targeted thinning out of fire-prone conifers to create a more fire-resistant, mixed coniferous and deciduous forest. The first phase was successfully completed in October 2024. An existing path, located on Queen Astrid Avenue opposite Vredelaan, was widened by removing pines on both sides. This firebreak not only improves accessibility for emergency services, but also acts as a protective buffer between the nature reserve and nearby homes.

What makes this management work unique is the use of Ardennes draft horses instead of modern forestry machinery. Forester Jef De Winter explains:

"Instead of using heavy machinery, we deliberately choose this traditional, effective method. Draft horses are ideal for ecological forest management: they disturb the forest floor minimally and actually help the soil to recover quickly by releasing seeds. With their narrow walkway, the horses also do less damage to surrounding plants and trees. This is in contrast to motorised transport, which often compacts the soil and can delay the recovery process for years."

Besides an ecological approach, the use of draft horses contributes to the preservation of our cultural-historical heritage - an extra asset that brings nature and history closer together. In the coming years, the Agency for Nature and Forests will continue this project to realise a more fire-safe forest.

Curious to see what these works look like? Check out some images below.

Thanks to Patrick Cassiers for report and photos and to forester Jef de Winter.