In Chaumont-Gistoux, Christophe and Philippine Guillemot have been developing an outdoor pig farm for nearly five years. Although this activity is primarily a passion, the family’s commitment is total. This is why, for the sake of legacy, the couple invests in this land which hosts about thirty farm pigs: The famous Chaumont Pigs!
Pigs and Hedges
In 2022, following the planting of a production orchard to provide shade for the animals, Christophe and Philippine decided to consolidate their ambitious project: to perfect the infrastructure in order to improve the well-being of their livestock while restoring the ecological network on their property.
The couple then met PlantC and, quickly, over 1000 meters of hedges were established.
The Hedge: An Ecological and Nourishing Corridor
The first meeting with Christophe took place on March 1, 2023. We took the time to listen to his concerns, to determine the desired linear features and functions of the hedge:
- to protect against prevailing winds,
- strengthen the ecological network in connection with the orchard,
- provide shade.
It is thanks to the network of companies and projects federated by PlantC that the key players for this large-scale planting were able to meet.
Meeting many criteria eligible for its Takecare sustainability program, the company Trafic chose to co-finance the approximately 1000 meters of living hedges for the Chaumont Pigs. Completing this successful partnership, Christophe and Philippine then entrusted the composition and implementation of the plantings to professional planters, specializing in the design of agroforestry projects promoting biodiversity.
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1km of Hedge for Well-Kept PigsGet inspired
Local: A Priority
On December 13, 2023, the linear plantings were carried out in the rain. Prior to this, a close mowing was performed to facilitate the implementation of the hedge (nearly 1,700 hedge plants; we can tell you that the hoes were busy).
Field maples, hawthorns, buckthorns, hornbeams, birches, or elderberries*… A mix of more than 25 different species of native trees and shrubs, cleverly arranged, now encloses the pastures of the Chaumont Pigs. But let curious visitors not see this as an obstacle to meeting them: the Guillemot family will continue to locally anchor their passion through the production of quality meat, beautifully protected.
All that remains is to pass through the entrance…
Hedge Visit in 2024
Romain took advantage of his tour to visit the hedge in September 2024. The linear planting is thriving, and Christophe is delighted with the work done. Now, we just have to wait for nature to do its work and for the hedge to continue to develop!
Hedge
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Planting / installation period2023
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Number of trees1 700
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Meters of hedge1 086 m
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Carbon65.84 T of carbon sequestered over 20 years
List of selected species
| Whitebeam | |
|---|---|
| Basket Willow | |
| Single-style Hawthorn | |
| Alder Buckthorn | |
| Silver Birch | |
| Field Maple | |
| Norway Maple | |
| Hornbeam | |
| Cornelian Cherry | |
| Bloodtwig Dogwood | |
| Dog Rose | |
| Common Buckthorn | |
| Hazel | |
| Common Walnut | |
| Crabapple | |
| Viburnums | |
| Privet ... |
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.
