100% Contribution Achieved for the Reforestation of a Forest in ANTHISNES

For this reforestation, 9 different tree species, deciduous and coniferous, are planted across 2.5 hectares: red oak, sessile oak, birch, chestnut, sycamore maple, wild cherry, wild service tree, wild apple, and larch. Finally, for this project, natural regeneration of ash is expected. In total, 3,160 trees will be planted with the help of PlantC. The planting was verified in summer 2021.

Project Supported by

A plantation thoughtfully planned and sustainably managed

Here, in Anthisnes, 9 deciduous and coniferous species are planted across 2.5 hectares:

Red Oak (Quercus ruba) – 625 individuals,
Sessile Oak (Quercus petraea) – 1,700 individuals,
Birch (Betula sp.) 100 individuals,
Chestnut (Castanea sativa) 100 individuals,
Sycamore Maple (Acer pseudoplatanus) 300 individuals,
Wild Cherry (Prunus avium), 25 individuals,
Wild Service Tree (Sorbus torminalis) – 100 individuals,
Wild Apple (Malus sylvestris) – 10 individuals,
Hybrid Larch (Larix x eurolepsis) – 125 individuals.

Finally, for this project, natural regeneration of ash is expected. In total, 3,160 trees have been planted with the help of PlantC.

These species will replace a spruce monoculture destroyed by the bark beetle. This will guarantee and improve the local services provided by the forest (biodiversity, water and soil quality).

This project is carried out in partnership with the Royal Forestry Society of Belgium.

Site Visit in 2022

On June 22, 2022, the PlantC team visited the site in the presence of the forester. Welcoming us to the plot, Humbert reminded us of the origin of the reforestation project: the existing trees had suffered damage from bark beetles and ash dieback.

It was then decided to proceed with clear-cutting to reforest the area with a diversity of woody species.

We can then observe a very good recovery of the tree seedlings! The area is large, and we can see the project’s impact on biodiversity! Raspberry, elderberry, St. John’s wort, wood sage, bramble, and foxglove: it’s a feast for flora and fauna! Indeed, in the first years of reforestation, the opening of the environment allows light to penetrate, and a dormant seed bank can finally express itself! Bramble can play an important role: by growing around a woody plant, its thorns will protect the young plant from game attacks (ouch!).

The forester also explained to us, “there’s something for everyone,” and he decided to plant wild apple trees for the game.

The plot is well monitored. Rotary mowing is carried out to prevent the seedlings from being overgrown. A balance must therefore be found. The rotary mower then passed through one out of every three rows. But the idea is to leave as much vegetation as possible for pollinators, birds, etc. Moreover, there are beehives nearby!

During our visit, we could hear the singing of several birds, including nuthatches, raptors….