In Fexhe-Slins, Pierre Dupuis, a farmer transitioning to organic farming, is partnering with PlantC to implement an ambitious planting project. Indeed, Pierre aims to plant hedges to limit erosion on his plots located in Fexhe-Slins. This project, planned for the 2024-2025 season, aims to restore the local hedgerow landscape while addressing environmental and agricultural challenges.
In 2024-2025, we will plant 418 meters of single-row hedges.
Spotlight on Pierre Dupuis, Farmer in Fexhe-Slins
Pierre Dupuis, a farmer and agricultural engineer, took over the family farm in Fexhe-Slins with a modern vision that respects traditions. Committed to organic transition farming, he diversifies his production with potatoes, rapeseed oil, and organic wines from the first harvests in 2021. This return to his roots is accompanied by a deep desire to revive the local hedgerow landscape, notably through hedge planting with PlantC.
Diverse Local Production
Pierre produces potatoes and rapeseed oil, which are found on both private tables and in local restaurants. In 2021, he diversified his activity by venturing into organic viticulture. His first vintages, “Prémices” and “Petit Jour,” originating from the typical loamy soils of Hesbaye, are available at the farm and in some local shops.
A Site in the Heart of Brabant Hesbaye
Located in an agricultural area, the project benefits from favorable soil conditions. The loamy soils provide ideal conditions for hedge growth. These hedges will play a key role in strengthening the local ecological network, particularly in connection with the neighboring watercourse. Furthermore, we have selected a series of species that benefit from a flowering period spread throughout the year, allowing various species to find habitats and nutritional resources there.
Regarding the plantings?
The project includes the creation of two single-row hedges, designed to meet specific needs:
- Hedge 1: 253 meters
This hedge, consisting of 506 plants, will be planted near a watercourse to limit flood risks on the cultivated field. The selected species have powerful root systems enabling efficient water capture and better management of water hazards. Indeed, Pierre told us that he lost 20% of his crop each year due to flooding on his land. We therefore strategically placed the hedges so that they capture a maximum amount of water. - Hedge 2: 165 meters
With 330 plants, this hedge will complete the ecological network of the area. Designed to attract wildlife and enrich biodiversity, it will also act as a natural wind barrier, which is very strong in this location.
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Hedges to reduce runoff in Fexhe-SlinsLearn more
Regarding the Species?
We will plant different species: white willow, crack willow, hazel, purple willow, common privet, and guelder rose in the hedge along the watercourse. While in the “biodiversity” hedge, we will plant wild apple, guelder rose, bird cherry, European spindle, hazel, black elder, and dog rose.
These are two single-row hedges, so we will plant a single line of hedge with a spacing of 50 cm between plants. Each species will be planted in groups of 3 to 5 plants. In total, there will be 836 plants!
The Hedge and its Functions
As with many of our projects, the objectives are as follows:
- to recreate shelter, food, and corridors for the wildlife of the agricultural plain and pollinating insects.
- to protect the soil of the plots.
- to protect crops from climatic hazards (agroforestry schemes promoting water runoff, anti-erosion control, with a shading function and, to some extent, a windbreak).
- planting 1 meter of hedge sequesters 120 kg of CO2 over 20 years.
The Planting at Pierre’s Farm
The planting took place in winter 2024. And the result is magnificent! Here are some photos taken during the planting ⬇️
Hedge
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Planting / installation period2024
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Number of trees836
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Area836 m²
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Meters of hedge418 m
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Carbon47.23 T of carbon sequestered over 20 years
List of selected species
| Crabapple | |
|---|---|
| Guelder Rose | |
| Bird cherry | |
| European spindle | |
| Hazel | |
| Elderberry | |
| Dog Rose |
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.
