European beech forest in Belgium
© Philippe Moes/Minden Picture
European beech forest, Belgium
Beech trees are pretty amazing. There are several species worldwide, but the European beech steals the spotlight in much of Europe. With its smooth grey bark, short trunk and sweeping branches, this tree is a standout in Belgium's forests, as shown in today's image. It grows in temperate regions and prefers well-drained, fertile soils, taking up to 30 years to mature. Not only do these 48-metres-tall trees dominate the landscape, but their wood is also used to make some of the sturdiest furniture, flooring and even kitchen tools.
Wildlife such as black bears, foxes, squirrels, chipmunks and mice love them too—beech nuts, though slightly bitter, provide a feast for all kinds of critters. In winter, the beech forests in Belgium become even more enchanting. The trees' big, sprawling branches go bare and whole forests transform into quiet, frosty wonderlands—perfect for a peaceful stroll or simply soaking up some fresh air.
Related Images
Flock of sheep in the mountains, during winter
The Church of St. Thomas above the village of Praprotno, for Slovenia Independence and Unity Day
A rider hunts with an eagle in the Altai Mountains of Mongolia
The Cathedral on a stormy morning, Mount Buffalo, Australia
Rifugio Lagazuoi above the clouds with Monte Pelmo in the background, Dolomites, Italy
People ice fishing on Gull Lake in Brainerd, Minnesota
The Mount Washington Observatory in New Hampshire
Skating on a frozen canal near the windmills at Kinderdijk in the Netherlands
Bing Today Images
