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The Sonian Forest, Belgium

The component portion is located between the Dijle and Zenne rivers on a plateau. Despite being just 10 kilometers from Brussels, this is Western Europe's sole Atlantic beech forest. It is impressive, with lots of dead wood and beeches that are more than 180 years old. Consequently, the forest has a high level of biodiversity. This area is home to about 600 different species of beetles, many of which are uncommon and typical of ancient woods.Humans have been managing and altering forests in Western Europe for many millennia. This is also true of the 5,000-hectare Sonian Forest, which is located outside of Brussels. Five portions of the forest were added to the UNESCO World Heritage List of Ancient and Primeval Beech Forests of the Carpathians and Other Regions of Europe in 2017, making it one of Belgium's several Natura 2000 sites. The numerous people who once lived in the area are responsible for the forest's recognition.The Sonian Forest, a part of the vast coal forest that encased Western Europe following the last ice age, is situated in the residential and urban area on the southeast fringe of Brussels. Throughout history, numerous peoples have occupied and governed the region.

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