Noëlla and Léon are pursuing ambitious projects for biodiversity. This project involves 460 meters of double-row hedge at Ferme Delcourt, approximately 1,300 plants. All the elements are in place to recreate habitat, food, and a movement corridor for the wildlife of the Gembloux agricultural plains.
Project Supported by
An Orchard for Biodiversity & Climate at Delcourt Farm
Noëlla and Léon initiated the project. Informed of our existence by a neighboring farmer, they shared their overall ambition and their desire to plant 460 meters of double-row hedges.
The Story of Noëlla & Léon – Ferme Delcourt
Our two farmers operate the small family farm of 30 ha, taken over from Léon’s parents. The farm has been converted to organic since 2015. These are mainly meadows. On the rest of the area, they cultivate, for example, beans (processed in an organic cannery) and cereals (triticale, spelt/pea mixtures for fodder, or bread wheat (for bread making)).
Their ambition does not stop there. It is necessary to put Nature back at the center of their farm. This is why they are working for the ecological network of Gembloux. Furthermore, Noëlla has a degree in beekeeping and aims to install some hives, primarily with the goal of saving bees. All flowers and fruits present provide shelter and food for pollinating insects.
In 2020, the Delcourt family established a meadow-orchard of 120 fruit trees. In 2023, we jointly organized the planting of their double-row hedge.
What a story… Of trees and hedges!
Following the complete visit of the plots, 3 sections of hedge totaling 460 meters of double-row hedge are confirmed. As a result, more than 1,300 plants will grow in Sauvenière, in autumn-winter 2023/2024.
First, planting is carried out after mechanical removal of grass to facilitate the use of thermal augers. Different selected plant species promote the nutritional aspect of the green infrastructure (pollen and fruits) throughout the seasons. As true enthusiasts, Noëlla and Léon observe various bird species, including house and tree sparrows, blue and great tits, black redstarts, Eurasian jays, etc., who will find an ideal nesting place.
In conclusion, the hedge also contributes to improving soil and water quality, but also to carbon sequestration in the soil over 20 years, so that planting 1 meter of hedge sequesters 117 kg of CO2 over 20 years. Indeed, let us remember that together, we are preparing agriculture’s resilience to climate change,
A Hedge, Finally!
Now, it’s done! Thanks to a formidable team, the hedge was planted properly.
It was in rainy and freezing cold weather that we went to see how the planting was progressing.
Courageously, the planters were in sweaters while our new colleague, Camille, was bundled up under layers of coats. Thanks to Léon and Noëlla for lunch and this wonderful moment of sharing!
In any case, the hedge, planted around the orchard, is truly welcome…
On the one hand, it helps to protect the orchard from the relatively frequent and intense gusts of wind where the farm is located, and on the other hand, it allows the bees from their hive to collect the precious nectar they use to make delicious honey in collaboration with a local beekeeper.
To meet the objectives of a melliferous and windbreak hedge, we planted 24 different species. Among these, we find black elder, sessile oak, field maple, common dogwood, hawthorn, small-leaved lime, and many others! We strategically placed them to limit the competition effect between species and thus allow the hedge to develop as diversely as possible.
This will also contribute to the educational project that Noëlla is leading with students from nearby schools to raise their awareness of current environmental and climate issues in a fun way.
“Tell me, Mom, how do bees make honey?” “Tell me, Dad, why are we planting a hedge? Plus, there are plants that sting…”
Soon, they will know everything!
Features
| PLANTING | 461m of double-row hedge |
| PLANTING SEASON | Autumn/Winter 2023-2024 |
