Where there are chickens, there's a poultry run in Stave!

This involves the planting of 50 fruit trees as part of the development of a poultry run in Stave.

AN ORCHARD FOR BIODIVERSITY AND CLIMATE

Benjamin Vandenberghe, livestock farmer in Stave.

Benjamin operates his mixed farm using organic farming, in Stave. He cultivates cereals (barley, spelt, oats, and field beans) and an average of 25,000 squashes (pumpkins, Hokkaido pumpkins, and gourds). He raises beef cattle (Blonde d’Aquitaine and mixed Belgian Blue) and 2 organic chicken coops.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

A third chicken coop will be built in May-June 2022. And that’s where 50 fruit trees were planted on November 11, 2022! This planting will serve as a poultry run to shelter the chickens. Being less timid, they will roam further: a bit of exercise! And most importantly, their droppings will no longer concentrate in the same spot. An advantage, therefore, for soil and water quality.

Project conducted in partnership with the Coopérative Coq Des Prés.

Chicken coop - organically raised poultry — Chicken coop – organically raised poultry

The pre-orchard will be used by the cows and chickens. This planting helps improve animal welfare (shade and shelter for the animals), limit soil and water pollution while enhancing biodiversity. Finally, in a few years, the fruits will be utilized locally.

Benjamin Vandenberghe's farm in Stave — Benjamin Vandenberghe’s farm in Stave

View of the area impacted by the planting in Stave. Shade will be provided to the farm animals.

Here, the orchard planting is carried out by Cédric Guillaume

The root systems of the fruit trees are protected by vole cages

Where there are chickens, there’s a poultry run in Stave!
Get inspired

Before

After

PROJECT UPDATES SINCE PLANTING

The planting took place in November 2022. Planting trees as early as possible in the season allows them to develop their roots in time for the sap to rise in spring and to cope with seasonal weather conditions. On June 28, 2023, the team visited the site in the presence of representatives from Arkopharma, the company that made the project possible!

We illustrate the ecological network by observing the landscape, biodiversity, and the alternation of ecosystems. Benjamin gives us a tour of his farm and we conclude with a visit to the new orchard and its four-legged inhabitants. We take this opportunity to ask the farmer about his profession, his experience in managing organic farming. Finally, once planted, an orchard must be monitored over time. This is also discussed by the farmer.

It was a moment of sharing very enriching for the PlantC team, and it is with emotion that we contemplate the orchard. When projects become reality, we realize the extent of the impact we generate. Thanks to Arkopharma and Benjamin for their trust!

Orchard

Planting / installation period
2022
Number of trees
50
Area
10 000 m²

The advantage of PlantC is that they are projects in Belgium, whether in Flanders, Wallonia, or Brussels.

These projects are local, and thus they resonate because they are very concrete. With Arkopharma, you plant trees and fruits in Belgium; that, too, is natural.