This 0.75-ha restoration project is located in Coldenhove, Eerbeek. During the winter of 2023-2024, we plant 1200 new trees in rows and take into account natural regeneration. Another batch of trees is planted in the winter of 2024-2025, more specifically in January 2025. The seedlings are provided by Bosgroep and the tree species planted are chestnut trees, thuja, cedar, and Douglas fir. The previous stand was mainly composed of softwoods, such as spruce trees that were attacked by bark beetle. Afterward, only dead trees were left on the plot. In the past, the bark beetle mainly affected weak trees, which were unable to produce resins or other compounds to protect themselves from the insect. However, since climate change – and thus the increase in temperature – a great proliferation of the insect was triggered, and the spread of outbreaks affected a large part of European coniferous forests. Outbreaks of tree-killing bark beetles have reached unprecedented levels in conifer forests in the northern hemisphere and are expected to further intensify due to climate change. This event has once again highlighted the importance of having a diverse forest that is more resistant and resilient to disturbances. The main goal of this project is the restoration of the forest area through the plantation of a mix of species to promote the creation of a diverse and multifunctional forest. This forest should be able to face the effects of climate change and provide at the same time a wide range of ecosystem services in terms of biodiversity, wood, air and water purification, carbon storage, human health, etc. Planting updates: - Planting dates: A first planting phase took place between October 2023 and April 2024, followed by a second phase on 17 January 2025. 1,349 trees planted across 0.75 ha: The plantation includes 400 chestnuts, 400 thuja, 400 cedar, and 149 Douglas fir. The originally planned 2,200 Douglas fir were reduced to just 149, as natural Douglas fir regeneration was already well established on site. Work was carried out by local company Noest Forestry & Landscape Construction Tree Care. - Site context: The site was first cleared of dead trees, with branches chipped and left on the ground as organic matter to enrich the soil. Some chestnut seedlings experienced stress from waterlogging and grazing during the first phase, though conditions were good for the second planting. - Maintenance: Ongoing fern clearance is planned each summer for the next 2–3 years until the seedlings are sufficiently established, along with replanting of any losses.

This project is located in a private estate/park, called the Soeterbeek Estate, in the municipality of Nuenen (Eindhoven region). The estate is classified as a “monument” to be preserved in the Netherlands and has been handed down from generation to generation since its creation. A monastery was founded on this site by the Ursuline sisters around 1450. This remained so until the 1830s. Towards the end of the eighteenth century, the house was converted into a castle. The house burned down in the early twentieth century and in 1938, a new country house was built on the foundations of the older house. The trees and the plots, surrounded by the extending Dommel River, are in an aging condition and the domain should be renewed to be preserved. Two members of the family have decided to renew the estate to make it more ecologically sustainable and continue to provide its so-called official "green lungs" role identified by the city of Eindhoven. We have visited the project with the owner at the end of January 2024 and we are convinced that this owner deserves to be helped, technically and financially, to manage this relevant project. In total, 2500 trees are planted: 1500 trees in a plantation (0.3 hectares) and 1000 trees (100 sqm) in a hedge formation along the vegetable garden. It is a beautiful project that makes the area greener, sequestrates carbon, and supports biodiversity in the region. FOREST SPECIES Field Maple 2.25% Alder 5.62% Hornbeam 10.11% Cornelian Cherry 4.49% Hazel 2.25% Medlar 2.25% Black Poplar 6.74% Bird Cherry 5.62% Blackthorn 2.25% Pedunculate Oak 6.74% Buckthorn 2.25% Alder Buckthorn 4.49% Glandular Hedge Rose 2.25% Dog Rose 2.25% Hedge Rose 2.25% Sweet Briar 2.25% Felted Rose 2.25% Crack Willow 10.11% Elder 4.49% Small-Leaved Lime 8.99% European White Elm 5.62% Guelder Rose 4.49% HEDGE SPECIES Beech (3-year-old) 12.50% Hornbeam 18.75% Small-Leaved Lime 3.13% Pedunculate Oak 3.13% Redcurrant 6.25% Cornelian Cherry 18.75% Common Hawthorn (Single-Styled) 12.50% Field Maple 12.50% Alder Buckthorn 6.25% Blackcurrant 6.25% Plantation update: - Planting date: Both sites were planted between October and November 2024. - 2,500 trees planted in total: 1,500 forest trees in a mixed native line planting (including white willow, hornbeam, linden, black poplar, English oak, black alder, bird cherry, elder, wych elm, and multiple rose and shrub species) and 1,000 hedge plants in double rows along the vegetable garden (beech, hornbeam, dogwood, hawthorn, field maple, red and black currant, linden, buckthorn, and oak). - Monitoring summary (November 2025): The recovery rate is 95% for the hedges and 85% for the forest. No biotic damage was recorded. Climatic factors have affected approximately 15% of trees, linked to the very wet conditions on site. A water collection system has since been installed to improve drainage and water management. Several bird species were heard on site. - Maintenance: Overall the plantation is performing well, and the hedges bordering the vegetable garden are doing particularly well.

The Steenhuffel reforestation project aims to transform 3.8 hectares of low-diversity grassland, formerly used as a hayfield, into a mixed hardwood forest with continuous canopy. Before the project, the site which is located near the Robbeek creek, had low ecological and economic value and offered significant potential for biodiversity enhancement and ecosystem services, including carbon sequestration, soil protection, water capture, and biodiversity conservation. A total of 9525 trees will be planted during the 2024-2025 season, representing numerous native species such as Alnus glutinosa, Prunus padus, Betula pendula, Carpinus betulus, Fraxinus excelsior and many others. The project will also include shrubs along the forest edge to protect biota. This project will significantly enhance local biodiversity and ecological value while contributing to climate resilience. - Maintenance (2025–2028): Annual mowing of competitive weeds - Biodiversity and Management: The site will be managed as a mixed hardwood forest, with no identified biotic or abiotic risks. No existing large deadwood or standing trees will require removal prior to planting. The field work will be executed by Bomenplanter.be (Meulebeke), with tree saplings supplied by SYLVA bv. Plantation updates: - Planting date: Trees were planted between 14 and 18 April 2025. - 9525 trees planted: The mix includes 12% Alnus glutinosa, 12% Prunus padus, 6% each of Betula pendula, Betula pubescens, Carpinus betulus, Fraxinus excelsior, Prunus avium, Quercus robur, and Tilia cordata. Additionally, 34% of the planting consists of native shrubs, mostly along the forest edge, including Acer campestre, Cornus sanguineum, Crataegus monogyna, Euonymus europaeus, Ilex aquifolium, Ligustrum vulgare, Mespilus germanica, Prunus spinosa, Rosa arvensis, Rosa canina, Sambucus nigra, and Viburnum opulus. - Monitoring summary: Due to prolonged wet conditions in early 2025, planting was delayed and the trees were stored in cold conditions to maintain dormancy. Planting was done in rows, with holes drilled for each tree. No sensitive habitats were affected. - Maintenance: Follow-up may be needed depending on soil and weather conditions.

Siann is an organization that uses therapy horses when working with the elderly, children, and grown-ups with special needs. To energize after a day of work, they play in their horse pasture which owner Sigrid aims to restore to a natural environment as a thriving place for the horses and other biodiversity. In this project, we'll plant trees all around the plot for birds and small animals to live in, for the horses to eat from, and for temperature and water regulation. This plantation was designed to enhance local fauna and flora while ensuring that the selected species were non-toxic to horses, which is a unique feature of the project. The hedge planting consists of a high hedge and a low hedge, totalling 1201 plants: For the high hedge, 711 plants were used, including: 60% Carpinus betulus (426 plants) 15% Corylus avellana (106 plants) 15% Crataegus monogyna (106 plants) 10% Cornus sanguinea (73 plants) The low hedge included 490 plants, with the following composition: 50% Carpinus betulus (244 plants) 25% Rosa canina (123 plants) 25% Rosa rubiginosa (123 plants) Additionally, five Tilia trees are planted along one side of the low hedge. Plantation updates: - Planting date: All trees were planted on December 10, 2024. - 1201 trees planted: Species planted are exactly according to plan. - Monitoring summary: The planting was done in double rows with short spacing to form dense hedges. The soil was prepared beforehand, and stakes were added for the larger trees.

Location: Lasne Maransart (40 km from Brussels) Project: reforestation of 1.7 hectares with 4200 trees Timing: planting season winter 2023-2024, last additions in 2024 Reason for reforestation: Replanting is necessary as there are no natural seedlings (other than birch) on the plot. Diversification of species is necessary for resilience to climate change. Tree species: 80% Sessile oak, 10% Small-leaved lime, 10% Byzantium hazelnut Planting organization: In the center of the plot we plant mixed rows of 3 oaks and 1 lime tree, in a staggered pattern (2x2.5m). At the edge of the plot we plant 4 rows along the road to the North. Monitoring update, June 2026: - 4,200 trees planted: 80% sessile oak, 10% small-leaved lime and 10% Byzantine hazel, in mixed rows of 3 oaks to 1 lime tree in a staggered pattern, with four rows of edge planting along the boundary. - The recovery rate stands at 100%, and the plot's overall sanitary state is very good. No biotic or climatic damage was observed. - Manual clearing and game protection have been carried out. No replanting is needed. - Natural regeneration of oak and maple is present on site and will be preserved. - Overall, the plantation is doing very well!

The Sohan project focuses on restoring forest resilience across three forest areas in Theux, where several stands have been weakened by fungal disease, aging trees and climate‑related stress. Extreme weather events, particularly the heavy rains and floods of 2021 in the Vesdre Valley, further highlighted the vulnerability of local forest ecosystems and the need for proactive restoration. Across 6.84 hectares, 6460 trees will be planted in April 2026 season. The project brings together a balanced mix of oak, hornbeam, chestnut, rowan, hazel, larch and cedar. This diversity helps prevent the formation of single‑species stands, reduces risks linked to pests and diseases, and strengthens overall biodiversity. Before planting, the plots will undergo targeted preparation, including soil work where needed and the sanitary felling of trees affected by fungal decline to prevent further spread. Appropriate protection measures will also be installed to ensure successful establishment of the young trees. With a deep respect for local resources, the estate is managed according to sustainable and responsible forestry principles, including thoughtful thinning practices that support long‑term timber production while avoiding clearcutting. The forest will be managed under an irregular continuous cover system, ensuring permanent tree cover and encouraging natural regeneration. Furthermore, the project contributes to soil stabilization, the reinforcement of the regional ecological network, and the preservation of the scenic character of the Sohan valley, while offering habitat for local wildlife. It represents a concrete, climate‑adapted approach to responsible forestry and long‑term forest stewardship. Plantation updates: - Planting date: The trees were planted in March 2026, across three plots covering 6.84 ha. - 6460 trees planted: A diversified mix of 1489 oak, 1356 larch, 480 cedar, 889 chestnut, 353 rowan, 296 hazel and 1597 hornbeam. Older trees on the plot were preserved where possible. Numerous birds were observed during planting, including woodpeckers and buzzards over several days. - Maintenance: Monitoring of the plantation and further clearing are planned in the coming period.