Forêt domaniale de Raismes-Saint-Amand-Wallers

Stretching over 4,600 hectares, the forest of Raismes-Saint-Amand-Wallers is the largest in the Nord-Pas de Calais region after the Mormal forest (9,163 hectares). It is also the first forest massif of the Scarpe-Escaut Regional Natural Park, of which it has been part since 1967. It is a state forest managed by the National Forestry Office. It suffered from the clearing of the monks and then from the exploitation of coal in the 19th century, part of the woods having been razed to mines. Another consequence on the ecosystem is the mining subsidence which began in 1950, in particular the spectacular example of the pond at Goriaux, which was no more than a duck pond. The first world war finally destroyed it three-quarters. Since then, new trees have been planted. The species best represented are beech, oak and ash. There is also charm, sycamore maple, wild cherry, glutinous alder and Scots pine introduced after the first world war (about 1920) when the forest was completely destroyed by a clean cut. Deer and wild boar also inhabit the forest. They were reintroduced after the last war to satisfy hunters' needs. Hares, rabbits, squirrels, weasels, polecats and foxes, not to mention birds and insects, are particularly fond of this wet and marshy forest.