VUB calls on public to come hiking in Sonian Forest: 'Help us map the forest's hidden past'

Brussels, 19 March 2026 - The Free University of Brussels (VUB) is calling on walkers and nature lovers to go into the Sonian Forest this spring and help with scientific research. Anyone who spots and records flowering forest plants will be contributing directly to a large-scale study into the history of the forest.

On Saturday 21 March - the International Day of Forests - VUB archaeologist Pieter Rodts will kick off a citizen science project in the Sonian Forest. The initiative is part of his doctoral research "Beastly Traces and Shared Spaces: uncovering human-animal communities in the Sonian Forest" (VUB and Leefmilieu Brussel, 2024-2028). That research aims to understand how humans, animals, plants and soil processes have together shaped the landscape of the Sonian Forest and how that past is still visible today.

Hikers as eyes of science

The focus is on typical spring blooms such as wood hyacinth, wood anemone and ramson. These appear at first glance to be just spring flowers, but can tell a surprising amount about the forest's past.

"Where these plants grow, we often find traces of past human activity," says researcher Pieter Rodts. "By mapping those places today, we can reconstruct hidden layers of the landscape."

This is precisely where the challenge lies: these plants bloom for only a few weeks a year and spread over a large area. Classic field research is not enough to collect sufficient data. That is why the VUB is turning to the general public. "To recognise reliable patterns, we need hundreds - preferably thousands - of observations spread over the entire forest," says Rodts. "That will only be possible if many people join in at the same time."

Simply join in on a walk

From 21 March to 10 May, anyone can participate:

The data collected will be used in the doctoral research of the VUB and Leefmilieu Brussel and may eventually also contribute to better forest management.

PRESS INVITATION - KICK-OFF EVENT WITH HIKE

Journalists are welcome to attend a guided walk in the Sonian Forest, where the project will be officially launched.

For more information or interview requests: Pieter.Rodts@vub.be
​+32 472 03 27 00

More information about the project and how to participate can be found at ​ www.zonienwoud.be.