A guide for good users

Contents

Welcome

Welcome to the Semois Valley National Park!

On this page, you will find advice, tips and useful information to help you enjoy nature while respecting it.

This guide offers simple actions, tailored to each activity, to help you enjoy the area without damaging it. The aim? Leave only a light footprint, but take away lasting memories!

This guide is inspired by the Walloon Forestry Code (CF) and the Environmental Code (CE), the legal framework governing forest management, access and protection.

General recommendations in natural environments

What to do

  • Stay on paths and trails and favour waymarked routes – to protect soils, avoid disturbing wildlife and preserve sensitive habitats (Art. 20–21 CF);
  • Take your litter home with you, even biodegradable waste – nothing breaks down naturally without some impact (Art. D.94 CE):
    • Green waste = risk of spreading invasive plant species;
    • Food scraps = attract wildlife and may cause poisoning;
  • Keep your dog on a lead – to respect wildlife and other visitors (Art. 18 CF);
  • Respect the tranquillity of the area – silence encourages wildlife observation and reduces stress for animals (Art. 35 CF).

What to avoid

  • Lighting fires or barbecues – strictly prohibited and a major cause of wildfires (Art. 45 CF);
  • Do not move stones, logs or tree stumps – these natural features provide shelter for countless species (insects, amphibians and other small wildlife);
  • Avoid excessive picking or collecting protected species – foraging is limited (maximum 10 litres per person per day) and strictly prohibited for protected species or within nature reserves (Art. 50 CF);
  • Using a motor vehicle outside authorised roads – causes noise disturbance and constitutes an environmental offence (Art. 21 CF).

Did you know?

A single cigarette butt can pollute 500 litres of water, take 10 to 15 years to decompose, release toxic substances into soil, water and wildlife habitats, break down into microplastics, cause forest fires, and be ingested by animals with serious consequences. Do not smoke in the forest!

Best practices according to your activity

Walking and hiking

Following paths and trails helps protect the life hidden all around you.

In the forest, I make sure to:

  • Stay on paths and trails, favour waymarked routes and follow all signs;
  • Walk calmly to avoid disturbing wildlife;
  • Take away all my litter, including biodegradable waste;
  • Respect restricted areas marked by signs. Although our website indicates areas closed during hunting periods, on-site signs always take precedence.

Tip

By using this website, you can discover waymarked walks, natural and cultural points of interest, and even themed routes designed to help you learn while walking. Perfect for families and nature enthusiasts alike!

Did you know?

The adder and the viviparous lizard bask in the sun along forest edges. A walker straying from marked trails may accidentally crush them, disturb them, or even contribute to their local disappearance.

Suggestion

Walk quietly, listen to the forest and observe woodland edges. This is the spirit of Quiet'Attitude: with a little luck, you may spot a black stork hunting along a stream or hear the drumming of the black woodpecker, Europe's largest woodpecker... along with many other emblematic species of the National Park.

Trail running and nature running

Run through nature... without leaving a trace.

In the forest, I make sure to:

  • Stay on paths and trails and favour waymarked routes to avoid trampling fragile vegetation and disturbing wildlife habitats;
  • Run discreetly, especially at dawn and dusk, and avoid running at night so that wildlife can enjoy a period of complete tranquillity;
  • Respect restricted areas marked by signs. Although our website indicates areas closed during hunting periods, on-site signs always take precedence.
  • Minimise my impact: carry a litter pouch and a reusable insulated water bottle.

Tip

Keep your eyes on the trail. If you want to admire the scenery, stop rather than looking away while running. You'll reduce the risk of falls, avoid getting lost and help protect the vegetation along the path.

Did you know?

The common kingfisher nests in burrows dug into the soft banks of the River Semois. Simply passing too close to a nest may cause it to abandon its brood.

Suggestions

Why not try plogging? This activity, which originated in Sweden, combines running with litter collection and is becoming increasingly popular among environmentally conscious runners. Practise it alone or in a group for even greater results!

Prefer steep climbs and training challenges? Head to the Herbeumont Trail Station, where six waymarked routes and four training areas combine performance with total immersion in the forest.

Cycling

Ride lightly, without disturbing others.

In the forest, I make sure to:

  • Ride only on authorised tracks (wider than 1 metre); access to narrow trails is prohibited;
  • Slow down when approaching walkers and other users;
  • Control my speed, especially on descents and at crossings, and calmly make others aware of my presence;
  • Respect restricted areas marked by signs. Although our website indicates areas closed during hunting periods, on-site signs always take precedence.

Tip

Cleaning your bike after a ride helps limit the spread of invasive species such as Himalayan balsam.

Did you know?

Bats, of which 20 species are found within the National Park, use hedgerows and woodland edges as movement corridors. Riding too fast or making excessive noise can disturb them for a long time.

Suggestions

Why not try pliking? This cycling equivalent of plogging encourages cyclists to collect litter encountered along their route.

Or try cycling as a wildlife observation activity. By moving quietly and slowing down near clearings, you may be rewarded with unexpected wildlife sightings.

Canoeing/Kayaking

Paddle... without disturbing nature.

On the river, I make sure to:

  • Wear a life jacket for my safety;
  • Launch and land only at designated access points (no stopping just anywhere);
  • Remain quiet so as not to frighten wildlife (no shouting or music);
  • Never build dams using stones from the riverbed;
  • Avoid scraping the riverbed, pebbles or aquatic vegetation with my paddle or the bottom of my canoe/kayak;
  • Respect other users (anglers, swimmers, etc.);
  • Keep all my litter with me, even biodegradable waste (and never leave anything floating behind: cans, sandals, etc.).

Tip

Before setting off by canoe or kayak, check the authorised launch and landing points (kayak.spw.wallonie.be) and find out about any sensitive species that may be present along your route.

Did you know?

By respecting access zones and keeping noise to a minimum along the riverbanks, you help preserve the tranquillity of emblematic species such as the white-throated dipper, the tireless bird of fast-flowing rivers, and the elusive European otter, recently recorded once again in the Semois Valley. It also gives you a better chance of spotting them!

Suggestion

Why not try clean kayaking? Inspired by the GreenKayak initiative, this activity involves collecting litter while paddling. A great way to enjoy the Semois while helping to protect it.

Horse Riders and Horse-Drawn Carriages

Ride... without causing damage.

In forests and along rivers, I make sure to:

  • Stay on routes authorised for horses (wider than 1 metre); access to narrow trails is prohibited;
  • Slow down when approaching walkers and other users;
  • Prevent my horse from feeding on anything other than grass (no bark stripping);
  • Use designated watering points and rest areas;
  • Cross rivers only at designated fords and prevent my horse from defecating in watercourses in order to protect water quality and aquatic species.

Tip

Choose wide, well-maintained tracks whenever possible. They are safer for horses and help reduce erosion of forest soils.

Did you know?

By limiting river crossings to designated fords, you also help protect the thick-shelled river mussel, a threatened freshwater mollusc whose habitat can be destroyed by trampling of the riverbed.

Suggestions

Become a sentinel rider! From horseback, you are ideally placed to spot damaged trails, missing signs, litter, fallen trees or illegal fires. Your observations can make a real difference in protecting the forest. Please report any issues using the contacts provided in the practical information section.

To support this responsible activity, an equestrian centre linked to the National Park project will be created in Saint-Médard. It will provide visitor facilities and waymarked riding loops (20, 30 and 40 km, including the “Along the Semois” route), allowing riders to enjoy the area while respecting its natural environments.

Swimming

Cool off... without polluting.

On the river, I make sure to:

  • Swim only in authorised areas;
  • Not alter the river's flow (no stone dams);
  • Protect water quality (no litter and no environmentally harmful sunscreen products);
  • Never use soap or shampoo in the river, even biodegradable products;
  • Respect other users (anglers, kayakers, etc.);
  • Never feed birds or other wildlife.

Tip

Before taking a dip, think about the river! Eco-friendly sunscreen or simply wearing a T-shirt can protect you from the sun while also helping to safeguard aquatic ecosystems.

Did you know?

A simple pebble dam can alter water flow, block fish migration and destroy habitats used by many aquatic species, including dragonfly larvae.

Suggestion

Choose official bathing areas whenever possible. Water quality is monitored from May to September (bathing areas), and these sites are designed to improve safety and comfort while preserving the tranquillity of sensitive species such as the grey wagtail and the bullhead, a small fish that lives among river pebbles.

Wildlife and Plant Observation

In the forest, I make sure to:

  • Remain discreet and quiet so as not to frighten animals;
  • Keep my distance, even when I spot wildlife;
  • Observe without artificial light, especially at night or early in the morning;
  • Never feed wildlife;
  • Stay on paths and trails and favour waymarked routes to avoid trampling fragile vegetation and disturbing wildlife habitats (Art. 20 CF);
  • Respect restricted areas marked by signs.

Tip

Binoculars are your best allies: they allow you to admire wildlife without approaching or disturbing it.

Did you know?

Four wildlife observation hides are available throughout the National Park, allowing you to enjoy this experience without causing disturbance.

Several viewpoints have also been specially designed to help visitors appreciate the beauty of this exceptional landscape.

Suggestion

Why not try a quiet wildlife watch? Remain still at the edge of the woodland, early in the morning or towards the end of the day, and let nature come to you. Sometimes, silence is the best lure.

Unable to visit the forest? Explore the National Park's wildlife and flora through immersive virtual reality headsets available at the territory's eight gateway sites, or visit the Paysalia Interpretation Centre in Florenville to discover and better understand the landscapes of the Semois Valley.

Bivouacking

Spend the night in nature... without leaving an impact.

  • Bivouac only in designated areas to avoid damaging fragile habitats;
  • Do not light any fire under any circumstances; this is strictly prohibited;
  • Respect the quiet of the night;
  • Leave absolutely no trace behind (Art. D.94 CE).

Tip

A head torch with a red-light setting provides illumination without dazzling and is far less disruptive to nocturnal wildlife.

Did you know?

At night, the forest comes alive: tawny owls, bats, badgers and common frogs take advantage of the darkness to move about, hunt and breed. A single loud noise or beam of light can be enough to disturb them.

Suggestion

Fancy a night immersed in nature? The National Park has established four official bivouac areas specifically designed to minimise impacts on sensitive habitats. Choose them for a respectful outdoor experience—and for a forest that remains untouched by morning.

Nature Events and Gatherings

Celebrate... without disturbing.

In the forest, I make sure to:

  • Leave the site as clean as—or even cleaner than—it was when I arrived;
  • Favour quiet activities: silence benefits biodiversity and creates a richer nature experience;
  • Inform all participants of good environmental practices BEFORE the activity begins;
  • Clearly define the authorised area and ensure that everyone respects its boundaries in order to prevent damage to surrounding natural habitats;
  • Obtain all necessary authorisations in advance (DNF / municipality / fire service); information is available via Wallonie.be.

Tip

Choose reusable or deposit-return cups whenever possible; a simple measure that significantly reduces waste.

Did you know?

The European wildcat, a highly elusive species, avoids heavily frequented areas. The same is true of the Eurasian eagle-owl, the National Park's largest nocturnal bird of prey, which may abandon its nesting site if repeatedly disturbed.

Suggestion

Challenge your group: aim for zero trace! Set a collective goal of leaving the site cleaner than when you arrived. Bonus idea: appoint an "eco-representative" within each team to help raise awareness and encourage good practice.

Practical Information

Before You Set Off: A Few Useful Tips

To make the most of your visit to the National Park while staying safe:

  • Check the weather forecast and current conditions
    • Storms, strong winds or waterlogged ground can make the forest hazardous (falling trees, slippery terrain, etc.). Sometimes, postponing your outing is the safest option.
  • Choose appropriate equipment
    • Sturdy footwear, water, snacks and protective clothing will improve comfort and reduce risks (ticks, caterpillars or stinging plants).
    • After your walk, remember to check your skin carefully: ticks can transmit Lyme disease. If bitten, remove the tick promptly using a tick-removal tool and disinfect the area. Consult a doctor if redness spreads or unexplained symptoms appear in the following days or weeks.
  • Plan your route in advance
    • Download your route or carry a map in case of poor network coverage;
    • Check for any access restrictions (hunting periods, etc.).

Foraging: The Essentials

Foraging is permitted in Wallonia... subject to certain conditions.

The main rules to remember are:

  • Always obtain the landowner's permission (foraging is authorised in state-owned forests, except the Sonian Forest; restrictions may apply in municipal forests, so check beforehand);
  • Never collect within nature reserves and never pick protected species;
  • Quantities are limited: a maximum of 10 litres per person per day (mushrooms, berries, etc.) and two handfuls of flowers—only between sunrise and sunset—and never for commercial purposes;
  • Protect natural habitats: do not trample mushrooms, even inedible ones, and avoid turning over stones or dead wood;
  • Health advice: only cooking plants or fruits collected from the ground eliminates the parasite responsible for echinococcosis, a disease transmitted notably by foxes.

Seasonal Calendar

Please respect the following sensitive periods in order to minimise disturbance to wildlife:

  • February to July: breeding season for many species (birds, mammals, amphibians, etc.);
  • April to August: bird nesting season; disturbance on the ground and around hedgerows should be avoided;
  • September and October: red deer rutting season; silence and designated quiet areas should be respected;
  • October to December: hunting season; follow all signage and temporary access restrictions (including prohibition signs).