Baudour Forest: Nature and History in the Heart of Hainaut
Located northwest of Mons, Baudour Forest is an exceptional site that combines biological richness with traces of history. Formerly owned by the Princes of Ligne, this 324-hectare area is home to diverse wildlife and flora, while also preserving remnants of its past, such as the imposing "Ronde Maison". A true haven for nature and history enthusiasts.
Classified as a Site of Great Biological Interest (SGIB), this unique location is home to ponds and a forest pond with acidic, shallow waters, covered with sphagnum moss. These features are a testament to the old clay extraction and make this area an exceptional natural environment at the regional level. It is currently undergoing a restoration programme.
The site is dotted with traces of the past, such as the former keeper’s house and the bridge that spans the old railway line. However, the most iconic feature of the Baudour Forest is undoubtedly the "Ronde Maison", a curious octagonal building located at the edge of the forest. Once a hunting lodge, this place now houses a center for nature activities and cultural events. The famous watercolorist Yves Fagniart has even made it a special location for his exhibitions.
The water bodies of the Baudour Forest attract many bird species, particularly ducks like the winter teal, but also the moorhen, the great crested grebe, the kingfisher, and the grey heron. Forest birds are also well represented, with species such as the great spotted woodpecker, the green woodpecker, the black woodpecker, the crested tit, the coal tit, the blue tit, the nuthatch, and the treecreeper. Some birds of prey can also be observed, such as the hobby, the common buzzard, and the goshawk.
The ponds of Baudour Forest are also of great importance for dragonflies, with more than 28 species recorded, some of which are remarkable, regionally threatened, or extremely rare in Hainaut. These ponds also have significant herpetological interest.
There are several access points to discover the area, but the most picturesque one is near the "Ronde Maison", at the edge of the forest, in the area known as “Montauban,” Rue du Canard, 7050 Erbisoeul. A parking area is easily accessible on-site.
By car:
From the E19 / A7 heading toward Mons, take exit 23 bis Nimy Maisières.
Follow the N56 towards Ath.
Just before Jurbise, turn left onto Chemin du Prince.
Continue on Rue d'Erbisoeul, then turn left onto Rue du Canard.
GPS: 50.504939, 3.870967
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