The secrets of the deep forests

There are four forests of varying areas and tree populations. Beech, oak and ash are the most familiar species, and are found alongside the hornbeam, sycamore maple, wild cherry, alder and Scots pine with its red ochre trunk.

The largest and most-visited forest is that of Raismes-Saint-Amand-Wallers,

Managed by the National Forests Office, these areas contain remarkable biological sites, habitats (ancient beech woods on sandy plains, etc.) and rare or endangered species (Old World fern, round-leaved sundew, etc.), historic sites (avenues of beeches, 18th century botanical forest garden, etc.) and small architectural constructions.

In these semi-urban forests, which act as green lungs for the local residents, successive developments and facilities have been designed to relieve sites which have become fragile through excessive frequentation.