Bruno de Breyne took over the family farm in 2018, cultivating conventional but diversified crops: wheat, winter barley, potatoes, flax, corn, etc. While certainly a conventional farm, it is gradually moving towards sustainable/organic, or even agroecological, farming. Believing his fields lacked sufficient hedges, he wanted to get started with PlantC.
The first meeting with Bruno took place in April 2023. We took the time to listen to his concerns, to determine the desired linear layouts and functions of the hedge:
- to cut off from prevailing winds,
- to strengthen the ecological network in connection with existing elements (hedges, groves),
- to promote a host of active auxiliaries against pests,
The benefits of planting native hedges are numerous and essential for the environment. In addition to beautifying landscapes, hedges provide a natural habitat for many animal species, thereby promoting biodiversity. They also contribute to soil preservation by limiting erosion and regulating runoff. Furthermore, they act as natural windbreaks, creating microclimates favorable to local fauna and flora.
Bruno de Breyne
Through these plantings, a natural cycle will be established, the results of which will be felt particularly in the regulation of harmful species through integrated pest management.
Through this action, I hope to set an example and motivate every landowner to plant and maintain hedges—a simple yet immensely beneficial act for everyone!
Project Supported by
Hedges: an ecological and nourishing corridor
Meeting many eligibility criteria for its Takecare sustainability program, the company Trafic chose to co-finance the approximately 1,250 meters of living hedges.
On December 7, 2023, the linear planting was carried out in the rain. Prior to this, following the advice of the PlantC team, Bruno sowed wheat to facilitate the hedge’s establishment.
Buckthorns, chestnut trees, or elderberries*… A mix of more than 20 different species of native trees and shrubs are now planted.
Characteristics of the hedge project
| PLANTING | 1,250m of hedges |
| PLANTING SEASON | Winter 2023 |
| *LIST OF SPECIES | Whitebeam Single-style Hawthorn Alder Buckthorn Silver Birch Field Maple Hornbeam Chestnut tree Pedunculate Oak Cornelian Cherry Bloodtwig Dogwood Common Buckthorn Hazel Crabapple Osier Willow Goat Willow Purple Willow Rowan Elderberry Small-leaved Lime Privet Guelder Rose |
