Bruno de Breyne took over the family farm in 2018, cultivating conventional but diversified crops: wheat, winter barley, potatoes, flax, corn, etc. While a conventional farm, it is gradually moving towards sustainable/organic, or even agroecological, farming. Believing his fields were not sufficiently supplied with hedges, he wanted to get started with PlantC.
The first meeting with Bruno took place in April 2023. We took the time to listen to his concerns and determine the desired lengths and functions of the hedge:
- to protect against prevailing winds,
- to strengthen the ecological network in connection with existing elements (hedges, groves),
- promote a suite of beneficials active against pests,
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1.25 km of hedges in ModaveLearn more
Hedges: an ecological and nourishing corridor
Meeting many eligibility criteria for its Takecare sustainability program, the company Trafic chose to co-finance the approximately 1,250 meters of living hedges.
On December 7, 2023, the planting of the linear hedges took place in the rain. Prior to this, following the advice of the PlantC team, Bruno sowed wheat to facilitate the implementation of the hedge.
Buckthorns, chestnut trees, or elderberries*… A mix of more than 20 different species of native trees and shrubs are now planted.
2 years later…
The hedge is thriving, as we had the opportunity to observe with Stéphane Plumer, who is in charge of the sustainability program at Trafic:
Hedge
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Planting / installation period2023
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Number of trees1 786
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Area1 875 m²
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Meters of hedge625 m
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Carbon73.05 T of carbon sequestered over 20 years
List of selected species
| Hazel | |
|---|---|
| Goat Willow | |
| Purple Willow | |
| Whitebeam | |
| Single-style Hawthorn | |
| Alder Buckthorn | |
| Silver Birch | |
| Field Maple | |
| Hornbeam | |
| Chestnut tree | |
| Pedunculate Oak | |
| Common Buckthorn | |
| Bloodtwig Dogwood | |
| Cornelian Cherry | |
| Privet | |
| Guelder Rose | |
| Small-leaved Lime | |
| Crabapple | |
| Black elder | |
| Rowan | |
| Osier Willow |
When we addressed the chapter “Biodiversity” as part of our Take Care program, the team’s desire to take concrete local action quickly became apparent.
We then found in PlantC an attentive and committed partner, capable of offering us a solution that is both professional and has a strong impact on biodiversity.
Thanks to the network of farmers and market gardeners spread throughout Belgium, we will be able to develop a project near each of our stores by 2030.
Our decision to collaborate with Plant C is also based on the rigorous approach to selecting its partners: plantations are chosen according to the local biotope, implemented with care, and are subject to regular monitoring.
We are delighted with this collaboration, enriched throughout the year by clear information and constant visibility on current and upcoming projects.
