Laerbeek wood is an islet of exceptional biodiversity. It is part of the Natura 2000 special areas of conservation. Its restoration aims simultaneously to preserve its ecological quality and its significant recreational function.

The past of Laerbeek wood is connected with the history of Dieleghem Abbey, founded in the 11th century.

Like the Forest of Soignes, the wood harbours a significant beech grove made up of beeches, ashes, pedunculate oaks and sycamore maples. A woodland pond, from which one of the three small springs of the wood flows, extends over about thirty metres there.

The most remarkable feature of Laerbeek wood is the spectacular flowering of the plants of the undergrowth in springtime: wild garlic, bluebells, lily of the valley, marsh marigold, violet, bugle, cardamine, valerian, wood primrose, etc.

Hollow-dwelling birds are especially well represented in Laerbeek: the green woodpecker and great spotted woodpecker, stock dove, great tit, jackdaw, etc. The Brussels Environment site management plan provides for significant silvicultural works to restore the old beech grove and the other populations. They will ensure regeneration of the open undergrowth so characteristic of the site.