Hedge Development in Mont-St-Guibert

A LOCAL SMALL FRUIT PRODUCTION PROJECT, BUT THAT’S NOT ALL!

An ambitious producer, with unwavering motivation and a head full of sustainable projects in Mont-Saint-Guibert! Indeed, PlantC was keen to hear from Olivier Monnart, an agronomist. Olivier plans to produce quality small fruits on his plot. In parallel, the area is being developed to prevent flooding events. Finally, the aim was to promote biodiversity.

A project of approximately 350 meters of native hedge was therefore conceived together, taking into account species that will produce pollen, fruits, and nectar for the surrounding wildlife.

A PROJECT WITH MULTIPLE IMPACTS

Firstly, the aim here is to support Olivier in realizing his project of local production of small fruits, and this, according to a sustainability framework. By supporting his hedge installations, PlantC enables Olivier to dedicate more funds to the development of his overall project. The ultimate goal is thus achieved: to plant a maximum number of trees in fields in a short time.

Mont-Saint-Guibert is one of the localities most affected by flooding, a notable consequence of climate change in our country. Coincidentally, it was precisely the day after the floods of July 15, 2021 that we visited Olivier’s plot. The PlantC team could therefore only observe the challenges associated with his project.

Through his plantings, Olivier Monnart thus contributes to improved soil permeability, and therefore to anticipating future rainy events. His project is close to residential areas, making the stakes even higher.

A HEDGE 100% FOCUSED ON BIODIVERSITY

Olivier is a true enthusiast, and the fight against biodiversity collapse is a serious matter for him. The composition of the hedge was therefore carefully considered in this regard. 17 species were selected to form the hedge, distributed according to the following layout (pink color on the development plan):

• A 175-meter section to the south.
• A 94-meter section to the east.
• 76 meters of internal hedges divided into 7 sections.

This is why Olivier certainly wants to produce local, quality small fruits for citizens and the catering sector, but according to a well-thought-out scheme.

All these green infrastructures:

• create shelter, food and movement corridors for the wildlife of the agricultural plain.
• will promote the protection of future crops from climatic hazards (agroforestry schemes that favor water runoff, anti-erosion efforts, with a shading function and, to some extent, windbreaks).

A project in partnership with Walloon Brabant

That’s not all; 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.