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 in Bovigny is a reforestation effort in Bovigny, Belgium (Parc naturel des deux Ourthes). It's replanting 7767 trees over 8 hectares after a bark beetle attack on the previous spruce stand. The planting includes sessile oak, Douglas fir, spruce and hybrid larch. The goal is to enhance biodiversity and leave room for natural regeneration. Planting is scheduled for 2024-2025. Plantation updates: - Planting date: The trees were planted between March 17 and April 30, 2025. - 7767 trees planted: The plantation included 742 sessile oaks, 2875 Douglas firs, 2875 Norway spruces and 1275 hybrid larches. The planting was carried out in lines, with species mixed along each row. - Monitoring summary: Weather conditions during planting were marked by a dry eastern wind, and rain is hoped for soon. - Maintenance: Future work includes manual clearing. Treatment against the pine weevil (hylobius) was applied to protect young trees.

In this project in Le Roeulx we plant 12,000 trees during the first months of 2024, with the majority of the trees planted in March 2024. On the 5.5-hectare plot, we mainly plant lines of chestnuts, oaks, maples, and walnuts. It is important to execute this project because the area is a very agricultural one with little afforestation. We are planting a diverse forest to preserve wildlife habitats and support the ecological and environmental benefits of the forest. Details: - Altitude of 118 meters. - The soil is loamy with favorable natural drainage or loamy with poor natural drainage. - The composition of the previous stand: ash trees. - The follow-ups of the trees are planned for April 2024 and summer 2025.

Grune is part of the commune of Nassogne, in the province of Luxembourg and a forest region. In the project in Grune, we’re planting 1800 new trees on 0.88 ha starting in January 2024. More specifically, we are planting 725 Corsican laricio pines, 725 Sessile oaks, and 350 Rowan trees in a 2x2.5m organization. We are creating an alternating planting of monospecific rows lengthwise and the Rowan trees are planted every 5 plants. Previously, there was a worthless coppice on the plot that didn’t contain the needed elements for a successful natural regeneration. The planting is carried out to make the plot richer and more welcoming to biodiversity. We’re planting several species to achieve resilience in the face of climate change and build a forest of the future. This project, therefore, also contributes positively to the environmental valorization of the forest area. Updates: - June 2026 monitoring: the recovery rate for Grune is estimated at 95%, with the plot's overall sanitary state assessed as good. No biotic damage was observed. Drought has affected 5% of trees; no other climatic damage was reported. Manual clearing has been carried out. Natural regeneration is present, with birch coming up on site and its continued growth favoured. The surrounding forested landscape is a striking feature of the plot.

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 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.

This urban hedge project in Humbeek (in a region near Brussels, very sparsely wooded) is a plantation of 500 trees, in combination with assisted natural regeneration. The project is executed during Winter 2023-2024. The species used for the hedge are hawthorn, hornbeam, maple, euonymus, viburnum, dogwood, hazel, and others. The 145m hedge is planted in two lines around an orchard. Before, there was a presence of herbaceous vegetation and shrubs of little value. It is necessary to transform this vegetation into a high-value hedge because it creates habitats, promotes biodiversity, and provides resilience to climate change. In general, this project benefits all of the ecosystem benefits of the forest.

The restoration project in Amblève is continuing and can be expanded to a total of 100,000 trees. Following last season’s interventions with 10,500 trees in 2023–2024 and 14,280 trees in 2024-2025, the same approach is being applied to strengthen forest resilience and diversity this season. The Amblève forest consists mainly of conifers, in particular spruce. At present, about 75% of the forest stands are spruce. Localized thinning helps prevent attacks on spruces that are weakened by competition for light. The objective is to gradually reduce the share of spruce to 50%. To achieve this, clear-cutting is avoided. Management is carried out through thinning and progressive canopy reduction, which irregularizes the stands and initiates assisted natural regeneration. Spruce requires a lot of light to grow well in its adult stage, which means little light reaches the forest floor. Natural regeneration is therefore limited, making external planting of young trees necessary. In the cleared patches, beech is planted. This species is well adapted to shaded conditions and is introduced at high density, as it tolerates competition well in its early years. This approach also protects the young trees against late frost and drought. In larger clearings, other species are introduced according to the conditions of each parcel. The long-term goal is to establish irregular stands with varied age classes, increasing resilience to unexpected events. The project takes place in a rural and agricultural region known for its extensive forest massifs and numerous trails, where hikers, riders and cyclists come to experience the rich nature around the Amblève river.