In Beuzet (1.97 hectares), the forest plot was cut after ash dieback. 3,225 saplings were used for the reforestation of the plots.
Project Supported by
Beuzet: Reforestation for Climate and Biodiversity
3,225 plants were used for the reforestation of the plots. Eight species were selected, and PlantC supported 2,000 trees:
- Black Alder: 279 individuals
- Hornbeam: 851 individuals
- Red Oak: 78 individuals
- Sessile Oak: 78 individuals
- Chestnut: 78 individuals
- Sycamore Maples: 171 individuals
- Beech: 434 individuals
- Wild Service Tree: 31 individuals
- Planting period: Winter 2021-2022.
- The survival rate was checked in autumn 2022.
- The management of the forest plot is PEFC certified.
- 342.10 tonnes of CO2 sequestered over 30 years.
This project is carried out in partnership with the Royal Forestry Society of Belgium.
Visit to the Beuzet Plot, 2023
Our team visited Beuzet in the presence of the forest owner on May 19, 2023. During this nearly two-hour visit, we observed the state of the reforestation on different plots. As a reminder, the reforestation followed, among other things, a felling of ash trees affected by ash dieback.
A True Mosaic Forest
Forest management is a family affair. The forester explains his choice to acquire part of the forest area. In the past, there were four major fellings in a decade, but our enthusiast no longer wishes for this. He wants to implement more sustainable management. For example, by using a maximum of woody species; by allowing natural regeneration, monitored by the Royal Belgian Forestry Society. The wooded area will then follow management as conceptualized, for example, by the mosaic forest model.
In total, the forester and a local manager spent nearly a hundred hours maintaining the young reforestation. This involved clearing weeds twice so that they would not overly compete with the young plants.
Remember, spring 2022 was very dry. Despite this, the project did not suffer from the drought. In addition to climatic conditions, there is also the increased risk of game damage. The use of protective sleeves is therefore inevitable. A third visit by the forester was made to apply a repellent. In conclusion, all the listed species could be observed.
A Rich Ecosystem
The visited plots are beautiful. A few common frogs accompany us along the path. Many insects and spiders are also visible. Finally, diverse herbaceous flora coexists with the young trees, such as red campion or spurge sp., for example. Species richness literally reigns in the area. At the end of the tour, the forester even shows us the wetlands, a real ecosystem to preserve! It’s impossible to imagine that residential areas and agricultural zones are not far away.
Finally, we would like to thank you for your contributions. We also warmly thank the forester for his welcome and this shared moment. We are very confident about the follow-up of the reforestation.
