Up the tree for the preservation of Donderberg!

In the middle of a densely populated neighborhood lies the Donderberg forest, a shady hiding place, a link in the ecological corridor of Brussels, with some trees so old they are classified. It is precisely this piece of relief for humans, plants and animals that the Laeken city council wants to concrete. A school is to be built on the site of the forest. This plan dates back 10 years and has become a prestige issue for some politicians. They want to push ahead with the construction project despite the fact that there is no longer a demand for new school buildings and there are plenty of vacant buildings that could be renovated as alternatives. A group of local residents have been resisting the plan for years including through legal proceedings. But without success.

When in the summer of 2024, despite the discontent, all building permits were granted and the felling of Donderberg seemed inevitable, Donderberg Sauvage decided to take matters into their own hands. They started a long-term occupation of the forest, built tree houses and a tent camp. They plan to stay there until the Brussels city council calls off plans for the construction project.

The forest occupiers are getting a lot of media attention and support from the neighborhood and the rest of the country – every day someone brings soup! They celebrated the first month of the occupation with hundreds of visitors and more soup, activities and workshops.

The Action Fund is proud of the tree climbers, and will continue to support them until construction plans are off the table. For a livable city, for people, animals and plants!