In Hardigny, PlantC supported the reforestation of 8,000 trees! In total, six species were planted.
Project Supported by
The Reforestation of Bastogne in Detail
In Bastogne, this is a reforestation project where PlantC is involved in supporting 8,000 trees over nearly 4.14 hectares. Six species are planted: European Larch, Giant Thuja, Sessile Oak, Hornbeam, Douglas Fir, and Spruce.
This combination of deciduous and coniferous species is part of a reforestation of a coniferous plot post-bark beetle.
Using a diversity of species is beneficial for avifauna (flowers, fruits, and acorns, food sources for birds, insects, and small mammals, for example). Consequently, when leaves fall, humus is generated, and root systems are complementary. And this will impact the recycling of deep elements, the biological activity of the soil, the fixation and structuring of the soil.
- Planting Period: December 2023.
- Survival Rate: over 95% except for the thujas, which all died.
- 739.2 tonnes of CO2 sequestered over 30 years.
Project conducted in partnership with the Royal Forestry Society of Belgium.
Visit to the Bastogne Plot in 2025
This plot, measuring 4.14 ha, was planted in winter 2023, and to the owner’s delight, we observed that the number of surviving plants reached at least 95%.
This is an excellent result that highlights the owner’s good knowledge of silvicultural management, as the species are clearly well-suited to the site.
Among the species, we find:
- The spruce. You have all already seen a spruce, as it is the most common conifer in Wallonia. This species is used as an accompanying species, meaning that spruces will compete with other trees and help them grow straight.
- The larch. The larch is particularly valued for its rapid growth, productivity, and quality timber. It is, however, quite sensitive to drought, wind, and competitive effects. It is therefore always necessary to monitor brambles, ferns, or other vegetation that could prevent it from growing as it wishes!
- The sessile oak. A true biodiversity hotspot, it is the flagship among its cousins for its resilience and adaptation to climate change. This primarily sun-loving species requires less water than other oaks.
- The hornbeam is used here to guide the oak’s growth and compel it to develop a straight trunk
The owner chose to leave parts of his plot for natural development. One can therefore see birches, rowan trees, and other entomophilous species (which insects love) developing there.
