Where there are chickens, there's a poultry run in Stave!

This involves the planting of 50 fruit trees as part of the development of a poultry run in Stave.

PROJECT SUPPORTED BY

AN ORCHARD FOR BIODIVERSITY AND CLIMATE

Benjamin Vandenberghe, livestock farmer in Stave.

Benjamin operates his mixed farm using organic farming methods in Stave. He cultivates cereals (barley, spelt, oats, and field beans) and an average of 25,000 squashes (pumpkins, red kuri squash, and gourds). He raises beef cattle (Blonde d’Aquitaine and Belgian Blue crossbreeds) and has 2 organic chicken coops.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

A third chicken coop will be built in May-June 2022. And that is where 50 fruit trees were planted on November 11, 2022! This planting will serve as a poultry run to shelter the chickens. Less timid, they will roam further: a bit of exercise! And above all, their droppings will no longer be concentrated in one place. This is therefore an advantage for soil and water quality.

Project conducted in partnership with the Coopérative Coq Des Prés.

Chicken coop - organically raised poultry — Chicken coop – organically raised poultry

The orchard pasture will be used by cows and chickens. This planting helps improve animal welfare (shade and shelter for the animals), limit soil and water pollution, while also enhancing biodiversity. Finally, in a few years, the fruits will be utilized locally.

Benjamin Vandenberghe's farm in Stave — Benjamin Vandenberghe’s farm in Stave

View of the area impacted by the planting in Stave. Shade will be provided to the farm animals.

Here, the orchard planting is carried out by Cédric Guillaume

The root systems of the fruit trees are protected by vole cages

Sunset over Benjamin's orchard — Sunset over Benjamin’s orchard

PROJECT UPDATES SINCE PLANTING

The planting took place in November 2022. Planting trees as early as possible in the season allows them to develop their roots in time for the sap rise in spring and to cope with seasonal weather conditions. On June 28, 2023, the team visited the site in the presence of representatives from Arkopharma, whose support made the project possible!

We illustrate the ecological network by observing the landscape, biodiversity, and the alternation of ecosystems. Benjamin gives us a tour of his farm, and we conclude with a visit to the new orchard and its four-legged inhabitants. We take this opportunity to ask the farmer about his profession and his experience in practicing organic farming. Finally, once planted, an orchard must be monitored over time. This aspect is also discussed by the farmer.

It was a very enriching moment of sharing for the PlantC team, and it is with emotion that we contemplate the orchard. When projects become reality, we realize the extent of the impact we generate. Thank you to Arkopharma and Benjamin for their trust!