Welcome to Luc Warnez’s farm in Wépion! On nearly 15 hectares, he grows Wépion strawberries, whose two main varieties are: Elsanta and Darselect.
The Wépion strawberry is characterized by specific cultivation methods, know-how passed down from father to son for 100 years, and a unique soil, low in salt. To differentiate himself, Luc Warnez created another label: the “Authentic Wépion Strawberries,” to which he rallied other producers located in Wépion. Luc Warnez sells his production himself through a network of Belgian supermarkets and via two small roadside stalls.
At the initiative of the City of Namur, as part of its soil erosion control program, Luc wished to plant a hedge near his greenhouses. With PlantC and Trafic, we planted 190 meters of double-row hedge.
The first meeting with Luc took place in April 2023. We took the time to listen to his concerns, to determine the desired linear layout and functions of the hedge. It extends for 190 meters and aims to strengthen the ecological network within the farm.
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A hedge among the strawberriesLearn more
The Hedge: An Ecological and Nourishing Corridor
Meeting many criteria eligible for its Takecare sustainability program, the company Trafic chose to co-finance the approximately 190 meters of hedgerows.
On March 18, 2024, the linear planting was completed. After Luc performed soil decompaction, the planting team, equipped with a tiller to loosen the surface soil, planted 543 native plants.
The hedge consists of hornbeam, field maple, hazel, rowan, and large-leaved lime*… A mixture of 5 different species of native trees and shrubs are planted.
Hedge
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Planting / installation period2023
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Number of trees543
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Area570 m²
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Meters of hedge190 m
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Carbon27.56 T of carbon sequestered over 20 years
List of selected species
| Large-leaved lime (Tilia platyphyllos Scop.) | |
|---|---|
| Rowan (Sorbus aucuparia L.) | |
| Hornbeam (Carpinus betulus L.) | |
| Field maple (Acer campestre L.) | |
| Hazel (Corylus avellana L.) |
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.
