Mechelen, Belgium

Papenhof Forest

Nature-based therapy at the heart of a city

Papenhof Forest is an essential project that bring together immediate benefits and commitment to the surrounding community.

The pocket forest will take place in a new residential area in the heart of Mechelen, a city between Brussels and Antwerp in northern Belgium. Where the urban rhythm gives room to open grass plains exposed to wind and sun, suffering from heat and drought stress in the summer. The new green spaces will allow children to play in shadow and in contact with nature.

Creating urban forests can be challenging due to limited space but when nature is made accessible, it provides balance between human and ecological needs.

Forest Maker Herman & Nicolas

3,300

TREES

1,100

SQUARE METERS

NATIVE SPECIES

The area of the future SUGi pocket forest

The site of Papenhof Forest in Mechelen, Belgium

“I would love to be able to plant a core of biodiversity in a new neighborhood that will bring the residents and their young children into direct contact with nature. ”

— Herman Janssens, Urban Forests

Community support

This project involves organizations impacted in any way around the area such as Kilmaan - a citizen movement for the climate, Huppeldepup - a place adapted for children and adults with physical or mental disabilities and hopefully a school.