Project Supported by

17 species in Chaumont-Gistoux

Context

In Chaumont-Gistoux, this forest plot was historically occupied by an ash forest severely affected by ash dieback.
Faced with the decline of the ash trees, the decision was made to rebuild a deeply diversified forest stand, capable of better resisting future climatic and sanitary hazards.

Aerial view of the cadastral plot

The project stands out for its particularly ambitious approach:
17 different species, combining native species with high ecological value, productive species, and species still little used but promising in the context of climate change.

An innovative forestry strategy

April 10, 2026. Monitoring visit! The objective was not simply to replace the lost trees, but to design a forest:

  • more resilient,
  • more functional,
  • more biodiversity-friendly,
  • and adapted to future conditions.

The project thus combines several types of species:

Native species with high ecological value

  • Black Alder
  • Hornbeam
  • Wild Service Tree
  • Field maple
  • Common Beech
  • Wild Cherry
  • Service Tree
  • Crabapple
  • Wild Pear

More “productive” & future-proof species in the face of climate change

Among the so-called productive species, we can mention the American oak, the black walnut, and the chestnut.
These species allow for the integration of an economic dimension into the project while maintaining a strong diversity of structure and function.

Regarding future-proof species, we find the Corsican alder, the Byzantine hazelnut, and the swamp oak.
These species are being tested for their potential to adapt to climate change, particularly in the face of more frequent droughts and hydrological variations.

Restore soils and forest dynamics

The project also pays particular attention to soil function. The reforestation was carried out on scarified soil (not rotary-hoed). This preserves the soil, and according to the managers, the recovery is all the more beautiful.

Certain species, such as the common alder, play an essential role in improving compacted or waterlogged soils.

The presence of numerous species with deep root systems also contributes to structuring soil horizons, improving water infiltration, and strengthening stand stability.

The natural regeneration already present on site (beech, maple, birch) was integrated into the planning to promote a living and evolving forest dynamic.

A forest conceived as an ecosystem

With 2,343 plants spread over 1.15 hectares, this project illustrates a new way of approaching reforestation:

  • diversifying rather than standardizing,
  • anticipating rather than enduring,
  • rebuilding ecosystems rather than simple stands.

In Chaumont-Gistoux, the forest of tomorrow is being built today, reconciling biodiversity, resilience, and climate adaptation.

Main objective
Diversified reforestation

Forest

  • Planting / installation period
    2025
  • Number of trees
    2 343
  • Area
    115 000 m²
  • Carbon
    94.3 T of carbon sequestered over 30 years

List of selected species

Pedunculate Oak 384
Common Alder 280
Chestnut tree 225
American Oak 100
Italian Alder 200
Hornbeam 175
Wild Service Tree 161
Swamp Oak 100
Sessile Oak 100
Byzantine Hazelnut 100
Black Walnut 100
Field Maple 68
Common Beech 50
Wild Cherry 50
Wild Pear 75