Hedges for biodiversity at Stéphanie’s.

Hedges for biodiversity at Stéphanie’s.

We are in Flanders, and more specifically in Brakel, on a plot managed by Stéphanie, an organic vegetable grower.

Stéphanie is part of the Pomona Puur Aerde cooperative, which recently acquired this agricultural land for vegetable production in Brakel. It is at the initiative of Stéphanie and Jacinte from Farming For Climate that PlantC is visiting the location!

Pomona Puur Aerde is a cooperative enterprise of farmers located in Brakel, in the Flemish Ardennes, which will start vegetable production in combination with permanent crops in 2025.

Together, they aim to support local food production while protecting the environment, soil, and biodiversity. Through their projects, they want to contribute to regenerative agriculture.

In this regard, the planting of hedges is therefore very logical!

We believe that agriculture today must be carried out cooperatively, with farmers and citizens together ensuring healthy and fair food production. This allows us to work in a nature-inclusive way, and in PlantC, we have found the desired partner for this! Stéphanie De Caluwé.

On November 18, 2024, we went on site to gather all technical and practical information. It was decided to plant a two-row hedge over a length of 223 meters.

The plot was previously used conventionally (corn cultivation in 2024). The sparkling Stéphanie, with her infectious laugh, then shares her concerns with us. The objectives of her hedge project are multifaceted:

• In this, we welcome hedges that contribute to a windbreak along the edges of our plots to mitigate extreme weather,
• Provide useful insects for pest control, and food for beneficial insects, bees, and birds

Project supported by

Hedges along the fields

Seven species were planted to ensure the presence of as many flowers (and pollen) and fruits as possible throughout the year. In total, 651 plants were planted. The planting took place on March 15, 2025. Stéphanie will then sow dwarf clover at the base of the hedge to promote a soft mulch that is beneficial for pollinators and fixes nitrogen in the soil.

Hedge Project Features