Bulskampveld

Provinciedomein Bulskampveld

Provinciedomein Bulskampveld is a forest area of 233 ha in West Flanders, Belgium, of which 220 hectares are owned by the Province of West Flanders. This domain is part of the largest forest area in West Flanders. It stretches across the municipalities of Beernem and Oostkamp and consists of deciduous forest, coniferous forest, heathland and grassland. The landscape is characterized by tree-lined avenues. These avenues have formed rectangular patterns since the systematic exploitation of the heathland in the first half of the 18th century.

All science-related activities within Bulskampveld are centralised in the visitor centre of Bulskampveld. Here you can discover more about the region and its special assets. Currently, there is an interactive exhibition titled 'Roots' showcasing the miraculous collaboration between trees and fungi.

Since 12 March 2024, a European beech tree (Fagus sylvatica L.) is equiped with a sap flow sensor and point dendrometer. Air temperature and relative humidity are being monitored close to the stem.

Beech (Fagus sylvatica)

Beech is native to temperature Europe, Asia and North America but only reached North-West Europe long after the ice age (ca. 2000 B.C.). It can reach heights of up to 40 m and an age of 200-300 year. Beech has a thin (1-2 mm), smooth and gray bark which is very sensitive to 'sun burn'. Flowers from April till May, around the same time that the leaves appear. Its fruits (beechnuts) are edible. Beech grows well in aerated, moist, calcareous and loamy soils. It can not tolerate high groundwater levels and poor sandy soils. Beech is a shade-tolerant climax species and is very competitive with oak (Quercus robur L.).

Tree location

The monitored tree is located in the forest area near the visitor centre of Bulskampveld, next to the castle's former ice cellar, which now serves as housing for different bat species. The satellite image below shows the exact location of the monitored tree.