In Ouffet, our partners support a reforestation project where PlantC assists in supporting 2,000 trees. Five species are planted.
Project Supported by
The Ouffet Reforestation in Detail
This is a reforestation project of 2,000 trees. Five species have been planted. The reforestation management is PEFC certified.
- Sessile oak: 312 individuals
- Red oak: 203 individuals
- Beech: 610 individuals
- Larch: 687 individuals
- Sycamore maple: 188 individuals
Using a diversity of species is beneficial for birdlife (e.g., flowers, fruits, and acorns, which are food sources for birds, insects, and small mammals). When leaves fall, humus is generated, and root systems are complementary. This will impact the recycling of deep elements, the biological activity of the soil, the fixation and structuring of the soil.
- Planting Period: Spring 2021.
- The recovery rate verified in autumn 2022: compliant >80%.
- 274.3 tonnes of CO2 sequestered over 30 years.
The management of this project is PEFC certified.
Project carried out in partnership with the Royal Forestry Society of Belgium.
Visit to the Ouffet Plot in 2023
I am welcomed by Mr. Pierre Peltzer, an economist by training who took over the family farm, consisting of cultivated land and forest plots. The plot we are focusing on here spans 2.1 Ha and aligns with the principles of the mosaic forest.
Here we have a majority of deciduous trees, making up nearly 70% of the stand. Game pressure is significant in the region; here, the forester protects the trees with individual protective sleeves and stakes.
The organization of the reforestation
This is a reforestation project that is part of a thinning strategy, while taking care not to destabilize existing stands against prevailing winds. Despite some losses due to vandalism and climatic factors / game, the stand is a real success with a survival rate exceeding 80%.
The plot is divided into 2 blocks:
We are in the heart of Condroz, with silty soils exhibiting favorable natural drainage:
- Trophic level (availability of mineral resources): meso-oligotrophic (acidic soil).
- Hydric level (availability of water resources at the site): mesic. We have a regular supply of soil water and good aeration.
To the East, the stand consists of sessile oaks and larches.
It also features natural regeneration with numerous birch trees (pioneer species). Birch has a positive impact on the forest ecosystem; it facilitates the establishment of other species.
Sessile oak tolerates acidic sites. It has a powerful root system and possesses good potential in the face of climate change.
Larch, with its light and deciduous canopy, promotes the development of the undergrowth’s carrying capacity. Beneficial for both fauna and flora.
To the Northwest: red oaks, sycamore maples, and beeches.
The rows are spaced 2.5 meters apart, and the plants are 2 meters apart. Between the rows, Pierre chose to plant beeches. This helps promote stem formation.
Sycamore maple quickly produces wood for quality sectors (lutherie, cabinetmaking, etc.). Its impact is positive on the forest ecosystem (rapid decomposition of foliage, high carrying capacity, good shelter species for wildlife).
American red oak is less susceptible to diseases or pests. It also represents a future-proof species in the face of global warming and produces quality wood.
During the visit, the forester showed what he is implementing around his plot to enhance biodiversity: tree alignment, reforestation with future-proof species, free-growing hedges, low-trimmed hedges, etc.
A whole series of developments in favor of the ecological network in Ouffet!
