Building on the momentum of the project carried out in Fleurus in 2023, Vincent Matelard decided to reintroduce plant cover with PlantC. He chose to divide his alfalfa and potato plots with multi-layered tree hedges in 2 rows. His objective: to attract crop auxiliaries and strengthen the ecological network in Boignée.
Hedges: an ecological and nourishing corridor
Meeting numerous eligibility criteria for its Takecare sustainability program, the company Trafic chose to co-finance the approximately 590 meters of living hedges in 2 rows.
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Agroecology in BoignéeLearn more
On January 3, 2025, the linear planting took place after a period of intense rain. Prior to this, under the advice of the PlantC team, the planting team carried out a sowing of dwarf clover to facilitate the establishment of the hedge.
The hedge consists of hawthorn, hornbeam, hazel, black elderberry*… A mix of more than 11 different species of native trees and shrubs are now planted.
The hedge was treated with a blue marker to deter hares.
As for the specimen trees, the choice fell on sessile oak, wild service tree, and small-leaved lime. These 48 trees are spaced 10m apart and are staked to guide them. The long-term objective here is to valorize these species as timber.
On March 11, during a site visit, we observed the ongoing bud burst…
Hedge
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Planting / installation period2024
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Number of trees1 746
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Area1 770 m²
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Meters of hedge590 m
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Carbon85.60 T of carbon sequestered over 20 years
List of selected species
| Single-style Hawthorn | |
|---|---|
| Bloodtwig Dogwood | |
| Hornbeam | |
| Sessile Oak | |
| Wild Service Tree | |
| Field Maple | |
| Common Buckthorn | |
| Hazel | |
| Small-leaved Lime | |
| Black elder | |
| Purple 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.
