Hedges to limit erosion: a project with Pierre Dupuis in Fexhe-Slins

In Fexhe-Slins, Pierre Dupuis, a farmer transitioning to organic farming, is partnering with PlantC to implement an ambitious planting project. Indeed, Pierre aims to plant hedges to limit erosion on his plots located in Fexhe-Slins. This project, scheduled for the 2024-2025 season, aims to restore the local hedgerow landscape while addressing environmental and agricultural challenges.

In 2024-2025, we will plant 418 meters of single-row hedges.

Project Supported by

Spotlight on Pierre Dupuis, Farmer in Fexhe-Slins

Pierre Dupuis with his Hesbaye local products – *Pierre Dupuis D.R.*

Pierre Dupuis, a farmer and agricultural engineer, took over the family farm in Fexhe-Slins with a modern vision that respects traditions. Committed to organic transition farming, he diversifies his production with potatoes, rapeseed oil, and organic wines from the first harvests in 2021. This return to his roots is accompanied by a deep desire to revive the local hedgerow landscape, notably through hedge planting with PlantC.

Diverse Local Production

Pierre produces potatoes and rapeseed oil, which are enjoyed by both private individuals and local restaurants. In 2021, he diversified his activity by venturing into organic viticulture. His first vintages, “Prémices” and “Petit Jour”, from the typical loamy soils of Hesbaye, are available at the farm and in some local shops.

A Site in the Heart of Brabant Hesbaye

Located in an agricultural zone, the project benefits from a favorable pedological context. The loamy soils provide ideal conditions for hedge growth. These hedges will play a key role in strengthening the local ecological network, particularly in connection with the nearby watercourse. Furthermore, we have selected a range of species that benefit from a staggered flowering period throughout the year, allowing various species to find habitats and nutritional resources there.

The hedge is planted at the edge of the cultivated land near the watercourse

Regarding the plantings?

The project includes the creation of two single-row hedges, designed to meet specific needs:

Hedge 1: 253 meters
This hedge, comprising 506 plants, will be established near a watercourse to limit the risk of flooding on the cultivated field. The selected species have powerful root systems, enabling efficient water capture and better management of water hazards. Indeed, Pierre recounted that he lost 20% of his crop each year due to flooding on his land. We therefore strategically placed the hedges to capture as much water as possible.
Hedge 2: 165 meters
With 330 plants, this hedge will complete the ecological network of the area. Designed to attract wildlife and enrich biodiversity, it will also act as a natural barrier against the very strong wind in this location.

Regarding the Species?

We will plant various species: white willow, crack willow, hazel, purple willow, common privet, and guelder rose in the hedge along the watercourse. While in the “biodiversity” hedge, we will plant wild apple, guelder rose, bird cherry, European spindle, hazel, black elder, and dog rose.

These are two single-row hedges, so we will plant a single line of hedging with a spacing of 50 cm between plants. Each species will be planted in groups of 3 to 5 plants. In total, there will be 836 plants!

The Hedge and its Functions

As with many of our projects, the objectives are as follows:

to recreate shelter, food, and corridors for the wildlife of the agricultural plain and pollinating insects.
to protect the soil of the plots.
to protect crops from climatic hazards (agroforestry schemes promoting water runoff, anti-erosion control, with a shading function and, to some extent, a windbreak).
planting 1 meter of hedge sequesters 120 kg of CO2 over 20 years.