An orchard for Laetitia's laying hens

Laetitia’s project is simple but ambitious! It involves planting 30 old-variety standard fruit trees. We are in Durbuy, and a poultry run is being prepared!

PROJECT SUPPORTED BY

An orchard for biodiversity and animal welfare

Laetitia Delforge manages her family farm. She raises Mediterranean miniature donkeys, produces organic eggs, and offers educational activities for all (educational farm).

Through our partnership with the Coq Des Prés cooperative, Laetitia informs us of her project for 30 old-variety standard fruit trees.

The illustrations below show our site visit with the designated planter. The purpose is to examine the soil type, exposure, and understand the breeder’s ambitions behind her project.

Project Phase 1 – The site visit with the project leaders

We then understand that this is a pre-orchard that will be occupied by farm animals (horses, donkeys), but especially a secure space for the laying hens. Of course, biodiversity is a central objective. Finally, it also aims to spread out the production of fruits.

It is necessary to know the nature of the soil: is it acidic? Is there enough substrate? What type of drainage? Where are our friends the voles? (c) PlantC

The project comes to fruition in 2023

This visit took place on April 28, 2022. Yes, you read that correctly! The PlantC team and industry professionals know that it is crucial to anticipate demand! The project has been prepared since April 2022 but will only be planted in 2023 (and not in autumn 2022!).

Why? Because there is a shortage of fruit tree saplings, and it takes an average of 5 years to prepare a standard fruit tree. Planters must anticipate orders and reserve saplings up to 2 years before planting!

This project is carried out in partnership with the Coq Des Prés Cooperative.

View of the future orchard at Laetitia’s

Below, you can visualize the relevant plot, as well as the planting scheme.

Planting updates

On November 30, 2023, Laetitia’s orchard was planted! 30 fruit trees were planted.

Phase 1: Staking and digging the planting pits

Phase 2: Planting fruit trees and staking

We find 11 apple varieties, 3 pear varieties, cherry, and plum. That is 20 different varieties distributed among 30 fruit trees.

Furthermore, and prior to planting, on August 29, 2023, we were able to meet with Laetitia. On the agenda, we visited the farm, we were able to see the work and infrastructure for organic egg production, the raising of miniature donkeys, and finally, the organization of an educational farm.