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.

In Gouvy, in a forest region with lots of coniferous woods, we're planting 11 250 trees on 5.28 ha. The trees are planted on two plots of 2.02 and 3.26 ha and one of the two plots will be protected by a 2m fence. We are planting the following tree species: - 5000 rowan trees (sorbus aucuparia) - 4000 warty birches (betula pendula) - 2250 beech trees (Fagus sylvatica) The distribution of plants in each plot is not yet known. The trees are planted among vegetation and various shrubs, that have not all been crushed. The vegetation is left on the plot, because it will protect the plants from the heat this summer, and will provide some shade. It will also enable the plants to grow straight. We will make sure that this vegetation does not cover the young trees. Although the trees are planted within an existing system, we still consider this project a normal Plantation instead of an Assisted Natural Regeneration project (ANR). The total number of plants is higher here than in an ANR project. This plantation is important because this diversified planting promotes biodiversity and creates resilience to climate change. This project benefits all of the ecosystem benefits of the forest. Other details Altitude (m): 590m Soil type: Loamy Composition of the previous stand: Spruce and Douglas fir with health problems Planting season: Winter 23/24 Accessibility to the plot: easy