As a reminder, Bruno de Breyne took over the family farm in 2018, practicing conventional but diversified cultivation: wheat, winter barley, potatoes, flax, corn, etc. Although a conventional farm, it is gradually shifting towards sustainable/organic, or even agroecological, farming. Believing that his fields lacked sufficient hedges, he decided to get started again with PlantC.
Pleased with the first planting campaign in 2023, Bruno wished to continue his ecological networking efforts in Modave. The objectives remain unchanged:
- to protect against prevailing winds,
- to strengthen the ecological network in connection with existing elements (hedges, groves),
- promote a suite of beneficials active against pests,
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Hedges in Modave (St-Roch) – Episode 2Learn more
Hedges: an ecological and nourishing corridor
Meeting numerous criteria eligible for its Takecare sustainability program, the company Trafic chose to co-finance the approximately 1,620 meters of living hedges in 2 rows.
A mix of more than 12 different species of native trees and shrubs have now been planted.
The planting project will take place in January 2025
Rainy but happy visit
On June 5th, we visited the plantings in the presence of Bruno (farmer and creator of the ecological network). Here are some photos from the visit:
The planting is a real success. Planting the hedge within a winter barley crop allowed it to develop protected from the spring drought.
In total, no less than 625m of hedges were planted in double rows in 2023, to which 1,620m were added in 2024. Suffice to say that Trafic has contributed to the ecological network in the Modave area!
A benefit for Bruno’s and his neighbors’ crops, for small wildlife, insects, and our landscapes!
Hedge
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Planting / installation period2024
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Number of trees4 629
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Area4 860 m²
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Meters of hedge1 620 m
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Carbon264.05 T of carbon sequestered over 20 years
List of selected species
| Common hawthorn | |
|---|---|
| Rowan | |
| Black elder | |
| Hornbeam | |
| Small-leaved Lime | |
| Guelder-rose | |
| Privet | |
| Hazel | |
| Common buckthorn | |
| Purple Willow | |
| Osier Willow | |
| Bloodtwig Dogwood |
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.
