In Cerfontaine, PlantC supported the reforestation of 1,125 trees! In total, there are seven different species.
Project Supported by
The Cerfontaine Reforestation in Detail
This is a reforestation project where PlantC supports the planting of 1,125 trees. Seven species are planted:
- Scots Pine: 300 individuals.
- Sweet Chestnut: 260 individuals.
- Wild Service Tree: 150 individuals.
- Silver Birch: 225 individuals.
- Hornbeam: 140 individuals.
- Sycamore Maple: 40 individuals.
- Wild Apple Tree: 10 individuals.
This combination consists of deciduous and coniferous species and is part of a reforestation following a spruce windthrow.
The planting was carried out by Mr. Monseur, an experienced forestry coach. It is a diversified reforestation of pines and hardwoods, planted in blocks and small clusters.
Using a diversity of species is beneficial for avifauna (flowers, fruits, and acorns, food sources for birds, insects, and small mammals, for example). When leaves fall, humus is generated. Furthermore, these species have complementary root systems. This will impact the recycling of deep elements, soil biological activity, and the fixation and structuring of the soil.
- Planting period: November 2023.
- Project PEFC.
- Survival rate: verification in progress.
- 93.26 tonnes of CO2 sequestered over 30 years.
Project conducted in partnership with the Royal Forestry Society of Belgium.
Plot visit in 2025
On April 25, 2025, upon arriving at the plot, we quickly gained a view of the new plantings. The forester recalled the context: a very gradual clear-cutting of plantations affected by bark beetles, spread over several years. This was not done all at once.
Two practices were applied. One practice in a first zone involved using a rotary flail mower after clear-cutting. Subsequently, for 2 years, no action was taken on this plot. The planting was easy to carry out, in blocks with a spacing of 3 meters between rows, by 2.5m. With a mix of species.
In a second zone, to the North, the rotary flail mower was not used. Residues were grouped into windrows. Planting was not carried out in blocks due to the presence of stumps. Instead, a complete planting in clusters of 9 plants was performed. Among these 9 plants, 5 will be target species, and 4 as fillers. The same mix of species was used as on the first plot.
Roe deer and wild boars are present in the region. Therefore, protection by a fence was chosen. Nevertheless, for the second plot to the North, individual tree shelters were selected. Useful tip: the shelter also protects against herbaceous competition.
Species were selected based on several field tests and by referring to the Ecological Species File. Historically, oak stands are found in this locality. However, they have been struggling for several years (lack of soil depth, recurrent drought; symptoms include defoliation and black streaks on the trunk). Mr. Monseur therefore opted for species enrichment to diversify the forest.
We find 3 “target” species (Scots pine, sweet chestnut, wild service tree). It is worth noting that no sweet chestnuts had been planted in the Senzeilles region before. The wild service tree, however, is present in a scattered manner. It was chosen because, despite its slow growth, it is a species that can endure in the long term, compared to the sweet chestnut. Like oak, its wood is valuable. The wild service tree is no longer sought after today due to the monopoly held by oak and beech, which has gradually devalued most of our noble species. Nevertheless, the wild service tree, which possesses interesting qualities, was highly valued in the past and therefore has its rightful place today in an approach to diversify and revalue our native species. The wild apple tree was chosen for biodiversity (flowers, pollen, fruits).
For cluster plantings: at the center in a cross pattern, the target species, and at the four corners of the square, sycamore maple or hornbeam. Between the clusters, we allow for natural regeneration. There are also a few rows of silver birches, even though it is naturally present. Sycamore maple was favored in the hollow.
In terms of management, even if bramble is sometimes contained (only in the rows), the objective is to intervene as little as possible given the periods of drought (ground cover can protect the soil from drying out). In some time, foxgloves will bloom in all their splendor! In spontaneous presence, we also find woody species such as oak, hornbeam, beech, ash, wild cherry, sycamore, and field maple.
A forest area inherited from Mr. Monseur’s great-grandfather, we know the planting is in good hands!
Immersion
On June 6, 2025, we visited the plot in the company of the forester and Arnaud. This is thanks to the support of companies such as Wallonie Entreprendre, Vo-Group, and Smart2circle.
