PlantC in Flanders!
Our expertise and clients take us all over Belgium. In recent months, our projects in Flanders have gained momentum. Discover why we are further developing our activities in the Flemish Region:
In 2022, Arkopharma contacted PlantC with the idea of realizing two projects:
- One in Wallonia, with Benjamin in Stave, and
- One in Flanders.
This was a significant challenge for our team, which consisted exclusively of French speakers. But the language barrier did not stop us! On the contrary, we want to offer our expertise throughout Belgium, collaborating with local planters.
Thus, in Hoegaarden, we were able to plant a beautiful hedge!
A new challenge? Gladly!
After this enriching experience, Manitou challenged us in 2024 with a new project, this time exclusively in Flanders!
Thanks to one of our partners, we came into contact with Annelies from Lokeren, who wanted to plant hedges on her plots. These were her and her colleague Pieter’s expectations:
- Provide fodder for her animals,
- Contribute to ecological connections,
- Improve the well-being of her cows by creating shaded areas.
After a site visit, we discussed the project with Annelies and Pieter. Once the location was confirmed, we searched for the right implementers. And with all elements in place, the planting could commence!
In January 2025, a motivated team was able to plant 410 meters of varied hedge on Annelies’s property.
This second project in Flanders was a success and gave us even more motivation to support new farmers!
Our growing presence in the land of the wind
Learning, engaging, and planting: a busy spring for PlantC!
Our team took Dutch lessons to improve language proficiency and biodiversity-related terminology. After 30 hours of training, it was time to put this knowledge into practice!
Meanwhile, together with EDENRED, we set an ambitious goal: to plant 5 km of hedges in Flanders by 2028.
A stroke of luck? Perhaps, but a great opportunity!
Through the Pomona cooperative, we met Stéphanie from Brakel, a passionate vegetable farmer with a self-harvest farm. Her wish? Planting hedges!
A collaboration that takes root
Stéphanie and her colleague know how to get things done, and when it comes to hedges, she knows exactly where to place them! Her project involves the planting of two hedges with the aim of:
- Restoring biodiversity
- Wind protection
The plant species include alder buckthorn, hazel, goat willow, European spindle, holly, hawthorn, and guelder rose. This mix ensures year-round flowering and provides an ideal habitat for local fauna.
In March 2025, the first 220 meters of hedge were planted! An inspiring project that helps to further green Flanders.
And we continue…
At the beginning of 2025, we continue our adventure with a new project with Dirk in Gavere, who manages organic plots.
Dirk, a carpenter and farmer, is hindered by pesticide drift from neighboring conventional farmers. To protect his plots, he wants to plant double-row hedges around his farmland.
The project provides for the planting of 439 meters of double-row hedge, which will help Dirk grow his onions, pumpkins, and potatoes with less impact from pesticides.
Furthermore, the hedges will provide shelter for bats, which nest in the old World War II bunkers scattered across the fields.
But we are not stopping at three projects! Our goal is even far more ambitious. This year, we want to support at least 7 other farmers in Flanders. Do you want to contribute to this challenge?
Aricia Evlard – Co-founder PlantC
