Hedges for biodiversity in Isnes

The Context

In Isnes (Gembloux), Alexandre and Ingrid Godfrind farm nearly 120 hectares of arable crops: malting barley, wheat, sugar beet, chicory, potatoes, fibre flax… In 2022, they also joined the Les Fermes de Chez Nous cooperative, which brings together several farmers committed to local, high-quality farming.

Wishing to strengthen the biodiversity of their farm, they also want to enhance the walking path that crosses their land, to offer a more pleasant setting for walkers while supporting local fauna and flora.

The Project

The project involves planting 869 metres of countryside hedgerows across three sections.

These hedges will be made exclusively of native species, selected for the following “biodiversity” benefits:

• Provide staggered flowering that benefits pollinating insects;
• Produce berries and fruit for birds and small mammals;
• Create shelters and ecological corridors;
• Integrate sustainably into the agricultural landscape.

The plantings will also complement the agri-environmental actions already underway on the farm. Each section is part of an MAEC (Agri-Environment and Climate Measure). These measures will be monitored by the agricultural advisory body Natagriwal.

As you will have understood, Ingrid and Alexandre’s project brings multiple benefits. Beyond their value for biodiversity, these hedges will help reconnect natural habitats in an open agricultural landscape. In the long term, they will accompany walkers along the future walking path.

The different sections were designed taking into account the characteristics of the soils, the water regime, farming practices and management constraints, to ensure the plantings establish well.

In short, this project will help to gradually improve the area’s ecological quality.

Your turn!