PlantC and Trafic collaborate to strengthen biodiversity in Wallonia. Before reaching 10.7 km of planted hedges, it all started with 2 projects launched at the end of 2022.
Why is Trafic involved in biodiversity?
The Trafic group is aware of its impact on biodiversity, caused by soil artificialization that harms ecosystems. That is why, through their TakeCare sustainability program, Trafic is committed to supporting biodiversity rehabilitation projects within their own sites and on agricultural farms.
Trafic takes action on its sites
The Trafic group began its action in favor of biodiversity at the Heppignies logistics site, which joined Natagora’s nature network in 2019 (pond, trees, flower meadows). In 2022, PlantC planted an additional 163m of triple-row hedge. This project demonstrates that it is possible to offer a habitat for fauna and flora on industrial sites.
Since then, new sites of Trafic stores are under development: St-Ghislain, in 2023. And this continues with 3 sites in 2024 and nearly 9 sites in 2025.
Trafic takes action in our rural areas
In 2022, the partnership expanded: we are embarking on a major joint project, committing us to plant 500 meters of hedges per store, with Belgian farmers and market gardeners. This joint program allows us to work for the climate and biodiversity on our national territory.
Hedges, but for what purpose? Hedges fulfill multiple functions. They play an important role in environmental protection by providing shelter and food for wildlife and serve as a natural barrier against soil erosion. Furthermore, they contribute to climate change mitigation by absorbing CO2 and providing shade for livestock.
The hedge therefore provides what are called ecosystem services.
How?
The PlantC team went into the field, to meet with farmers and market gardeners.
Once the visit is completed, PlantC determines the typology of the plantings. Once the design is determined, we solicit local planters to implement the hedge and tree plantings. Finally, PlantC inspects the sites to ensure a good recovery rate.
Once the plantings are completed, each farmer receives an educational panel which allows passers-by to learn more about the hedge and why it was planted in that location.
Here is an example:
What do the numbers show?
These are 12 farms that planted hedges thanks to this support in 2022 and 2023.
- Brye Farm in Fleurus
- Espinette Farm in Beauvechain
- Chapelle Farm in Gembloux
- Ferme qui Bouge in Clavier
- Les cochons de Chaumont in Chaumont Gistoux
- Marnières Farm in Lasne
- Bruno de Breyne in Modave
- Flonceaux Farm in Prouvy
- Château Farm in Ere
- Crutins Farm in Sugny
- Luc Warnez in Wépion
- Christian Lacroix in Cognelée
In total, 10.7 km of hedges: that’s a car journey from Tervuren to the Grand-Place, or even Namur – Floreffe.
This represents 17,593 hedge and tree saplings.
In total, these projects allow for the storage of 661.35 of CO2 over 20 years in addition to the various ecosystem services that hedges can provide.
Outlook
During the 2024-2025 planting season, no fewer than 11 new projects, for a total of 14.16 km, are planned to be planted as part of the PlantC Trafic Takecare program.
Do you want to know more about the farmers whose planting projects we support, find out more here:
