Welcome to Christian Lavoix’s farm in Vedrin! On nearly 140 hectares, he manages a mixed farming and livestock operation. He raises 180 cattle on 26 hectares of pasture and has two mobile organic free-range chicken coops on 1.5 ha. He cultivates beets, cereals, and corn on 112 ha, 11 ha of which are organic.
Driven by the City of Namur, as part of its soil erosion control program, Christian wanted to plant a network of hedges near his farm and his animals to protect the animals from the north wind and combat mudslides. With PlantC and Trafic, we planted 630 meters of hedges.
The first meeting with Christian took place in April 2023. We took the time to listen to his concerns, to determine the lengths and functions desired for the different hedge sections. They extend over 1012 meters, 630m of which are supported by PlantC and Trafic. The plantings aim to:
- strengthen the ecological network and biodiversity within the farm.
- provide shade for livestock while protecting them from prevailing winds.
- limit runoff.
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An anti-erosion hedge at Christian’s in VedrinLearn more
The Hedge: An Ecological and Nourishing Corridor
Meeting many eligibility criteria for its Takecare sustainability program, the company Trafic chose to co-finance the approximately 630 meters of hedgerows.
The project was initiated following an initiative by the City of Namur.
On March 19, 2024, the linear planting was carried out. After Christian performed soil decompaction, the planting team, equipped with a tiller to loosen the surface soil, planted no less than 2,084 native plants.
The hedge consists of hornbeam, hazel, rowan, European spindle, and large-leaved lime*… A mix of 9 different species of native trees and shrubs are planted
Hedge
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Planting / installation period2023
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Number of trees2 084
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Area1 890 m²
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Meters of hedge630 m
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Carbon73.09 T of carbon sequestered over 20 years
List of selected species
| Hornbeam (Carpinus betulus L.) | |
|---|---|
| Dog rose (Rosa canina L.) | |
| Osier willow (Salix viminalis L.) | |
| European spindle (Eunonymus europeaus L.) | |
| Hazel (Corylus avellana L.) | |
| Large-leaved lime (Tilia platyphyllos Scop.) | |
| Black Elder (Sorbus nigra L.) | |
| Wayfaring tree (Viburnum lantana L.) | |
| Rowan (Sorbus aucuparia 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.
