This plot in Parc naturel des deux Ourthes was acquired by a new owner after more than 10 years of neglect and it is located in a forest region dominated by coniferous stands. Because the elderberry and birch coppice trees left on the land have little future, we are intervening in the plot. Preserving the natural regeneration of broadleaf species will help increase species diversity and the forest's resilience to climate change. On this 2.63-ha plot, we are working with alternating 5-meter-wide strips. We alternate between 1) conservation of natural regeneration of birch and elderberry and 2) mulching and planting three rows of larches and grand fir (2000 trees in total). Planting season: 2024-2025 Nursery: Pirothon Soil: Loamy Altitude: 490 m Plantation updates: - Planting date: The trees were planted between February and May 2025. - 950 trees planted in a first phase: the mix included 500 grand firs, 250 hybrid larches and 200 European larch. A further 1050 European larch were later planted in a second phase. The upper section of the plot was left open to observe natural regeneration following row mowing. - Plantation summary: The site covers 8.7 ha. Planting was done in rows with species mixed within each row. Site preparation included mulching of logging residues and milling of planting rows. A steep slope on part of the plot posed some difficulty, though machinery access was still possible. - Monitoring (April 2026): Recovery rate is strong at 95%, with an overall good health status. Game pressure (roe deer) accounts for 5% damage to plants. No climatic damage recorded. Manual clearing has been carried out since planting. No natural regeneration has been observed on site yet. Many bird species are present. A field visit in June 2026 confirmed that the trees continue to grow well. - Maintenance: Light clearing work considered depending on conditions.

This project is located in Durnal, Belgium (postal code 5530), and involves the replanting of a forest following a bark beetle infestation that severely affected the spruce trees. This reforestation effort aims to increase the resilience of the forest by diversifying tree species, enhancing ecosystem services such as climate change mitigation, biodiversity protection, and water cycle contribution. Specifically, the project will involve the planting of 2575 trees over an area of 1.6 hectares at an altitude of 260 meters on loamy, gravelly soils with natural drainage, favorable for forest growth. Species distribution will include Atlas cedars, Scots pines and alders, with a planting arrangement alternating two lines of cedars and two lines of Scots pines, while six lines of alders will be planted along the watercourse. We aim to maintain 10% birch regeneration in the final tree composition. The planting with plants provided by Pepinières Pirothon is executed during the 2024-2025 season and will also include protective measures against wildlife. Plantation updates: - Planting period: The trees were planted between December 2024 and January 2025 - 2575 trees planted: 1050 Atlas cedars (40.78%), 1050 Scots pines (40.78%) and 475 alders (18.44%) - Monitoring summary: The site covers part of a 3.5-hectare area previously cleared of spruce affected by bark beetles. Planting was done in mixed lines, with terrain prepared by mulching and protected using repellent. Weather conditions were humid. - Maintenance: Clearing is planned to support tree growth.

The Baclain project, located in the Parc Naturel des Deux Ourthes (Gouvy, Belgium), focuses on the reforestation of a 2.5-hectare plot of fallow land previously used for coniferous plantations. The plot is surrounded by diverse-aged forests with mixed species and is very close to the Wez de Halleux stream. This rural area, rich in natural and agricultural landscapes, has soils conducive to forest growth, specifically loamy soils with favorable natural drainage. Scheduled for the season of 2024-2025, we introduce 7,650 new trees using a mixed planting approach. The species composition includes 34% Douglas fir, 33% larch, 20% beech, 10% oak, and 3% chestnut, with spacing tailored to each species' needs. Ground preparation will involve band tillage, with residual vegetation mulched and wildlife deterrents applied to protect young saplings. The regeneration of native species such as birch, sorb, and oak is anticipated, complementing the planted trees. This balanced approach will promote a resilient forest structure that aligns with regional biodiversity and climate goals. In general, the project aims to restore the land's ecological and economic value by reestablishing forest cover and enhancing ecosystem services such as water quality, flood mitigation, soil protection, and carbon sequestration. It transforms neglected land into a thriving forest ecosystem, contributing to local environmental, social, and economic benefits. Plantation update: - 7650 trees were planted in March-April 2025: 2601 Douglas firs (34%), 2525 larches (33%), 1530 beeches (20%), 765 oaks (10%) and 229 chestnuts (3%). - Monitoring summary: The plantation took place on 2.5 hectares across several parcels in Gouvy. The terrain was prepared in advance and treated with natural forest latex. Douglas and larches were planted in mixed rows (2x1.7m), while beeches and oaks were placed along the borders (2x1.5m). A field visit in June 2026 showed a good establishment of the trees, along with natural regeneration of birch & rowan. - Maintenance: Clearing will be necessary due to the abundance of ferns.

The Amblève project, located in the commune of Amblève (BE 4770) and in the Amblève bassin, involves a reforestation initiative in response to an ongoing bark beetle infestation affecting the region's spruce forests. Rather than clear-cutting the entire area, selective extraction of infested trees is being implemented. This method varies depending on the situation, with some areas undergoing large or small-scale clear-cutting while others focus on isolated spruce removal. Following last season's intervention with 10,500 trees, another 14,280 trees are planted during the season of 2024-2025, in a mix of 1.5m x 1.5m (islands) or 2m x 2.5m spacing (in larger areas). The replanting will prioritize beech trees (88%) due to their adaptability to low-light conditions, particularly in small clusters. Other species, including hornbeam, linden, and maple, will be introduced in varying proportions, depending on the specific site conditions. There is significant wildlife pressure, but not enough to threaten the plantations. The manager plans to protect the planting clusters with small localized fences. The restoration effort aims to restore forest cover, enhance species diversity, and strengthen the forest's resilience to climate change. The project can be expanded up to 100,000 trees. The area, known for its rich rural and agricultural landscape, attracts hikers, cyclists, and horse riders exploring the extensive forests around the Amblève River. Historically, the region's forests were damaged during World War II, particularly during the Ardennes Offensive, and were subsequently replanted with spruce, which has proven vulnerable to pests and storms. The project is integrated into a special zone (ZIP), is easy accessible, and offers opportunities for site visits. Plantation updates: - Planting period: The plantation took place between November 2024 and February 2025. - 14280 trees planted: 11480 beeches, 1200 hornbeams, 1200 maples and 400 lindens. - Monitoring summary: The planting was carried out over 15.64 hectares of former spruce forest. Despite regular snow and freezing conditions, the weather did not hinder the work. Trees were planted in clusters, either under existing spruce stands or following clear-cutting. The terrain was prepared beforehand, and protection measures were applied where needed. No major difficulties were encountered.

This project is located in Gesves, Belgium (postal code 5500) and focuses on reforestation. This initiative is necessary due to a bark beetle infestation that has affected the area, and the planned planting will help restore forest cover and enhance the ecosystem services already present on the property. The project involves the planting of 700 trees, including sessile oaks, small-leaved limes and hornbeams. The project covers an area of 0.32 hectares at an altitude of 238 meters on a plateau with a predominantly favorable loamy-stony soil. Measures will be taken for game repellent and protection. The planting season is scheduled for 2024-2025, and the nursery responsible for the saplings is Pepinieres Pirothon. The land is owned by the King Baudouin Foundation. Plantation updates: - Planting date: The trees were planted between December 2024 and January 2025. - 700 trees planted: The plantation included 420 sessile oaks, 70 hornbeams, 70 small-leaved limes, 70 wild cherries, and 70 field maples. The final mix reflects a balanced composition of native broadleaves, with sessile oak as the dominant species. - Monitoring summary: Planting took place under favorable weather conditions, with no frost and good soil conditions. Planting was carried out in lines and mixed clusters. The site is located in a semi-open area adjacent to existing woodland. No specific challenges were reported during the operation. A field visit in June 2026 confirmed that the trees continue to grow well. Some trees were slightly damaged by game, but not enough to affect their survival. - Maintenance: Additional maintenance will be scheduled as needed.

This project aims to restore and future-proof the Laurensart forest through assisted natural regeneration, a sustainable approach that strengthens biodiversity and supports long-term ecosystem health. Spanning 5 hectares, this project is carefully planned over three years, from 2025 to 2027. It begins with mapping and inventory work to understand the site' s current condition. In the first phase, targeted thinning and coppice clearing will support the healthiest trees, followed by formative pruning to guide their growth. Next, selected areas within dense hazel coppice will be opened to create planting islands, introducing a diverse mix of resilient species. Over the winters and springs, these zones will be enriched with 1300 young trees, protected and maintained to ensure strong establishment. Ongoing monitoring and management will support the forest’s long-term recovery and ecological balance. * Thinning and coppice clearing: To encourage natural regeneration, thinning and coppice clearing will be carried out on 2.4 hectares of the forest. Thinning removes low-quality, diseased or competing young trees to free up light and resources for stronger individuals. Coppice clearing targets small trees and spontaneous shoots that won’t contribute to the forest’s long-term structure, reducing density and improving growing conditions for future species. * Formative pruning Formative pruning is a crucial silvicultural practice that guides young trees toward balanced growth by removing poorly oriented or competing branches. This operation is especially important in the early stages of tree development, as it helps correct structural imperfections from the start, ensuring greater longevity and stability of forest stands over time. Formative pruning will be carried out on young trees after thinning, once they have been freed from competition. * Opening planting islands The hazel coppice, currently very dense in certain parts of the forest stand, requires intervention to facilitate the planting of new species. Small clearings will be created to support the establishment of new species. * Planting in open and cleared islands In total, approximately 1300 trees will be planted across various parts of the parcel. The goal is to enhance the existing stand by introducing adapted species which will strengthen the forest structure.