As a reminder, Bruno de Breyne took over the family farm in 2018, cultivating conventional but diversified crops: wheat, winter barley, potato, flax, corn, etc. While certainly a conventional farm, it is gradually moving towards sustainable / organic, or even agroecological, farming. Believing his fields were not sufficiently hedged, he wanted to get back in the saddle with PlantC.
Pleased with the first planting campaign in 2023, Bruno wished to continue his ecological networking efforts in Modave. The objectives remain unchanged:
- 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,
Project Supported by
Hedges: an ecological and nourishing corridor
We are talking about hedge junctions, because in addition to the 170 meters of living hedges in 2 rows, an additional 1620m of hedges have been added.
A mix of more than 12 different species of native trees and shrubs have now been planted.
The planting work took place in February 2025:
Rainy but happy visit
On June 5th, we visited the plantings in the presence of Bruno (farmer and creator of the ecological network). Here are some photos from the visit:
The planting is a real success. Planting the hedge within a winter barley crop allowed it to develop protected from spring drought.
In total, no less than 625m of hedges were planted in double rows in 2023, with an additional 1,620m added in 2024.
A benefit for Bruno’s and his neighbors’ crops, for small wildlife, insects, and our landscapes!
Characteristics of the hedge project
| PLANTING | 170 m of hedges |
| PLANTING SEASON | Winter 2023 |
| *LIST OF SPECIES | Hawthorn Hornbeam Bloodtwig Dogwood Purging Buckthorn Hazel Osier Willow Purple Willow Rowan Black Elder Small-leaved Lime Privet Guelder Rose |
