Rodeberg hike

On the hillside of the Rodeberg lies the ominously named Hellegatbos, covering just over 45 hectares. This area is highly recommended for a good hike. Don't be misled by its name: this forest will pleasantly surprise you with its natural beauty, diversity, and stunning views. As you descend from the top of the slope, the Hellegatbos reveals an increasingly varied habitat. In the summer of 2014, the Speelberg Kosmos was opened on the Rodeberg. 

<p flanders="" art="" sans",="" sans-serif;="" font-size:="" 1.125em;="" vertical-align:="" baseline;="" hyphens:="" auto;="" color:="" #ed3573;"="">Fauna and flora

<p flanders="" art="" sans",="" sans-serif;="" font-size:="" 14.4px;="" vertical-align:="" baseline;="" color:="" #4b4c52;"="">At the top of the Rodeberg, the soil is dry and sandy. Here mainly conifers, oak, beech, and sweet chestnut grow. Along the more clayey slopes, an oak and hornbeam forest grows. Further down, in the moist spring zones and stream valleys, you will find black alder, common ash, smooth elm, and various willow species. The rich shrub layer consists of hazel, blackthorn, hawthorn, guelder rose, and elder.
In spring, the Rodeberg treats you to a dazzling display of colors. The slope then turns blue and white with wood hyacinths and wood sorrel. Giant horsetail and wild garlic also thrive here.
The abundance of plants on the Rodeberg naturally attracts many animals. The most notable bird species are buzzard, honey buzzard, golden oriole, chiffchaff, nuthatch, tawny owl, and green woodpecker. At night, the brown long-eared and bearded bats go hunting for a hearty breakfast. With some luck and patience, you might spot a stoat, stone marten, or weasel.