Vincent Matelard converted his plots to organic farming starting in 2015, when he began his activities at Ferme de Brye. This is a fundamental and central choice in his approach. He primarily cultivates alfalfa and potatoes. His wish: “to be able to offer healthy, local products that respect the soil and are priced affordably for everyone.”
The first meeting with Vincent took place in February 2023. We took the time to listen to his concerns, and to determine the desired lengths and functions of the hedge:
- to strengthen the ecological network on her farm,
- to promote a host of active auxiliaries against pests,
Project Supported by
Hedges: an ecological and nourishing corridor
Meeting numerous criteria eligible for its Takecare sustainability program, the company Trafic chose to co-finance the approximately 2030 meters of living hedges.
On February 2, 2024, the linear planting was carried out after the periods of rain and frost. Prior to this, following the advice of the PlantC team, Vincent mulched with a sowing of sweet clover and forest rye, to facilitate the implementation of the hedge.
The 2 hedge segments consist of hawthorn, hornbeam, hazel, black elderberry*… A mixture of more than 11 different species of native trees and shrubs has now been planted.
Regarding the timber trees, the choice fell on sessile oak, red oak, and small-leaved lime. These 86 trees are spaced 10m apart and are staked to guide them. The long-term objective here is to enhance the value of these species as timber.
We took advantage of the end of summer to visit the hedge. Look, it’s thriving.
Characteristics of the hedge project
| PLANTING | 2030m of hedges |
| PLANTING SEASON | Winter 2023-24 |
| *LIST OF SPECIES | Single-stemmed Hawthorn Hornbeam Sessile Oak Red Oak Bloodtwig Dogwood Field Maple Common Buckthorn Hazel Purple Willow Black Elderberry Small-leaved Lime |
