In Clavier, our partners support a reforestation project resulting from post-bark beetle diversification, where 11 species have been planted across 0.93 hectares:
Project Supported by
The Clavier Reforestation Project in Detail
This is a reforestation project of 1,069 trees consisting of 5 species that have been planted across 0.93 hectares:
- Warty Birch: 50 individuals
- Sessile Oak: 50 individuals
- Hornbeam: 50 individuals
- Sycamore Maple: 190 individuals
- Wild Service Tree: 50 individuals
- Atlas Cedar: 160 individuals
- Nordmann Fir: 175 individuals
- Black Walnut: 60 individuals
- Red Oak: 140 individuals
- Chestnut: 140 individuals
- Hybrid Elm: 4 individuals
1,069 trees have been planted with the support of PlantC.
- Planting period: Spring 2021
- The survival rate was checked in autumn 2021.
- 111.46 tonnes of CO2 sequestered over 30 years.
This project is carried out in partnership with the Royal Forestry Society of Belgium.
Visit to the Clavier plot in 2023
On October 11, 2023, PlantC visits the reforested plot.
We are welcomed by Mr. de Liedekerke, a retiree and nature enthusiast. In addition to managing this plot, he created the Bois de la Drève nature reserve in Clavier (8 hectares). An ornithology enthusiast, he participated in the Atlas of Breeding Birds in 2009. He has identified no fewer than 70 bird species within a 5km radius! Let’s move on to monitoring the reforestation…
Mr. de Liedekerke wished to protect the plantation by installing a fence, as game pressure is significant in the region
The Organization of the Reforestation
The plot is composed of 4 blocks separated by firebreaks with 4 magnificent hybrid elms in the center
On the East side, the most shaded part, we find a dry mesotrophic soil that is silty-stony with flint or gravel and primarily favorable natural drainage. This explains the choice to plant conifers there: Nordmann Fir (shade-tolerant species) and Atlas Cedar.
These are species with great future potential in the face of climate change. Their growth cycle is very slow, which requires clearings. Mr. de Liedekerke is considering replanting the cedars with oaks this winter.
On the Northeast side, the mesic mesotrophic soil. Only deciduous trees are found there: Warty birch, hornbeam, wild service tree.
The wild service trees have proven very vigorous; they are highly resistant to frost, droughts, heatwaves, and winds. Birch has a positive impact on the forest ecosystem, facilitating the establishment of other species.
To the west, the two plots feature silty-stony soils with limestone content or containing limestone, and favorable natural drainage (mesic – eutrophic). They have a high mineral content and are highly fertile.
The plot benefits from heterogeneous natural regeneration; the western part, being richer in minerals, shows the development of eared willows, birches, viburnums, etc.
As you will have understood, the plantation is thriving!
