Biodiversity Network at Espinette Farm

This involves planting 1,035 meters of single-row hedge, or 2,070 plants.
Combined with cereal sowing and then dwarf white clover, all the elements are in place to recreate shelter, cover, and corridors for wildlife in agricultural plains.

A = ± 645 m single-row low-trimmed hedge
B = ± 390 m single-row low-trimmed hedge
Segment C is not included in the project.

INITIATED BY OSCAR, CLAIRE AND EMMANUEL GHAYE, FARMERS AT ESPINETTE FARM

The Ghaye family manages Espinette Farm in Beauvechain. Passionate about their environment, in 2014 they decided to switch to Organic Farming to use environmentally friendly practices. This primarily involves large-scale cereal cultivation in Organic Farming. Flour is then produced on the farm. Legumes and vegetables are also produced seasonally. Finally, Espinette Farm is a place of openness and support for human-scale and sustainable production, thanks to the creation of the Jardins de l’Espinette, where market gardeners develop their activity on test plots in collaboration with GAL Culturalité.

The Ghaye family, farmers in Beauvechain

In 2022, our paths crossed, and together we developed a single-row hedge project.

FOCUS ON THE TREES TO BE PLANTED!

Initially, a first objective was to plant 664 meters of single-row hedge. This project is part of the mobilization of PlantC and the Province of Walloon Brabant around the collective project “Co-building the ecological network in Walloon Brabant“.

And after a complete visit of the plots, we decided to add a second additional objective of 371 meters! In total, the project will therefore aim for 1,035 meters of hedge.

Emmanuel Ghaye, farmer’s son in Beauvechain. We can clearly see the line separating the two plots. The hedge will be planted at this location.

This will be carried out on a cultivated plot located in Beauvechain, this autumn-winter 2022/2023.

The planting will be done on tilled and sown soil (herbaceous cover that will act as “mulch”). Different species will be used from the following: hawthorns, field maples, dogwoods, viburnums, elderberries, buckthorns, ligustrum, bird cherries, wild roses, and hazelnuts. Each species will be planted in groups of 3 to 5 plants of each species, with 2 plants per linear meter. In total, nearly 2,070 plants will be planted.

Regarding mulching, it will involve sowing winter cereals before planting, which will be laid at the base of the hedge and serve as mulch. In the autumn of year N+1 after planting, the planting of dwarf white clover will be evaluated.

As you will have understood, this hedge will play an important role in the ecological network of this area of Walloon Brabant. The planting represents a food resource and refuge areas for agricultural wildlife! Another objective is aimed at: an anti-erosive function by contributing to the preservation of soil quality and better water percolation in the soil. It also aims to create a buffer for organic-managed plots from neighboring conventionally managed crops.

Runoff Axis and the Relevance of the Hedge.

Let us also remember that we are now preparing agriculture’s resilience to climate change. Planting 1 meter of hedge sequesters 117 kg of CO2 over 20 years. The planting is scheduled for November 2022. We will be sure to publish information on this key stage and on the hedge’s growth.

Biodiversity Network at Espinette Farm
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The Planting Implementation

The planting took place during winter 2022-2023. Despite excessively rainy days, early frost, or summer temperatures in winter, the planting was carried out smoothly on site, thanks to the services of the company de Bergeyck.

A Project Made Possible by Strong Partnerships

To be frank, this project was very ambitious. Its realization was made possible thanks to the strong partnerships of Walloon Brabant and Trafic :

Indeed, this project is part of the mobilization of PlantC and Walloon Brabant around the collective project « Co-building the ecological network in Walloon Brabant« . Walloon Brabant contributes up to 70% of the project! To learn more.

Also, thanks to its TakeCare sustainability program, Trafic supports large-scale hedge planting projects in Belgium. The objective is to work for climate and biodiversity on our national territory. To learn more.

Visit to the Planting in 2023

In early June 2023, we visited the Beauvechain plot. We walked along the linear planting and observed that the hedges are developing well within the winter wheat sowing. The recovery rate is over 80% and the recent rains have been beneficial for the hedge’s vitality. Indeed, the hedge’s growth was hindered by a very cool and very dry spring.

We were accompanied by representatives from Trafic. Indeed, we appreciate taking our contributors on an Immersion, to the field: not only to observe the project’s realization and its follow-up but also to meet the farmers behind the project. A great opportunity to ask questions as consumers to our dear producers. The company Trafic, an impact partner, was able to discover the farm, the mill, and the importance of the ecological network in agricultural areas. We were able to discuss cohabitation among farmers, drought, and also herbivore pressure. A very informative moment!

Hedge

Planting / installation period
2022
Number of trees
2 070
Area
2 070 m²
Meters of hedge
1 035 m
Carbon
44.89 T of carbon sequestered over 20 years

List of selected species

Hawthorn
Alder Buckthorn
Field Maple
Bloodtwig Dogwood
Dog Rose
Hazel
Guelder Rose
Elderberry
Ligustrum
Bird Cherry

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.