Bosland in Limbourg has been formally recognised as a national park, Zuhal Demir, regional Minister for the Environment, said in a statement issued on Friday by the Flemish government.
On 13 October, the Flemish government recognised four national parks; Bosland and Hoge Kempen in Limburg, Brabantse Wouden in Flemish Brabant, and Scheldevallei in Eastern Flanders, as well as five landscape parks.
Bosland is not only home to a diverse range of animal species, but it also serves as a magnificent adventure forest for children, Ms. Demir noted. It is a unique natural space spanning over 6,500 hectares and offers a surprising nature scene that changes every day. It is also the birthplace of ‘Cycling Through the Trees’.
The agricultural union Boerenbond has contested the new national parks at the Council of State, except the one in Hoge Kempen. The decree formalising their recognition is itself also being challenged in the Constitutional Court.
According to the Boerenbond, there is no support for the new national parks.
