Fifteen trees share stories of West Flanders’ past
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In the Midwest region of West Flanders, Belgium, officials launched a heritage project called ‘Markante bomen’ (Remarkable Trees) on Open Monumentendag (Open Monuments Day).
Fifteen trees across fifteen municipalities now share stories connected to the region’s history. Roeselaarse schepen Mieke Vanbrussel (CD&V) explained that trees often outlast changes to the landscape and serve as lasting landmarks. The project focuses on five themes: religion, lost places, symbolism, war and remembrance, and tradition and folklore.
The selected trees include the remembrance oak in Ledegem and a tree in Meulebeke, both linked to wartime memories, as well as trees in the Keuneleutebos forest and at Bomkapelleke. Kurt Windels, cluster chairman for culture and heritage of the Midwest region, stated that cultural heritage extends beyond municipal boundaries and the project aims to help residents discover local heritage.
To bring these stories to life, the project included contributions from the De Verenigde Vrienden theatre group and comedian Hans Cools. Visitors can find information about each tree on information boards and explore a digital map for more trees in the area. Audiomaker Wim Chielens created podcasts that focus on the human stories behind each tree, presenting them through interviews, songs, and theatrical excerpts rather than simply recounting dry historical facts.
