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 2.1 hectare project is located in Stavelot, with the planting of 3270 trees beginning in late February 2023 and continuing throughout the spring season. Tree species that are being planted include Douglas fir, spruce, European larch, hybrid larch and Atlas cedar. In addition, several hardwood species—such as sessile oak, maple, and chestnut—will be planted at wider spacing and will be protected with individual sheaths to support their establishment. The site was previously dominated by Japanese larch. Given the prevalence of monospecific plantations in the region, this project aims to introduce greater species diversity. Diversification enhances the forest’s ecological resilience and promotes a broader range of ecosystem services. Other details Altitude (m): 410 Type of soil: Ardennes brown soil Nursery name: Pirothon Plantation updates: - Planting date: The trees were planted between February 23 and April 26, 2023. - 3,270 trees planted: The plantation included a mix of conifers and broadleaves. 625 Douglas firs, 750 spruces, 710 European larches, 650 hybrid larches, 210 Atlas cedars, 100 sessile oaks, 75 maples, 75 chestnut trees and 75 red oaks. - Monitoring summary: Monitoring conducted in February 2025 indicated a strong survival rate of 90–95%. The overall health of the plantation is good, with no observed damage from biotic or climatic factors. Natural regeneration of spruce is occurring on site and will be left to develop freely. The plantation is organized into two mixed blocks of conifers, with broadleaved species planted along the borders and in central openings to encourage diversity. A field visit in June 2026 confirmed that the trees continue to grow well. Natural regeneration of rowan and beech was also observed. - Maintenance: Mechanical clearing has been carried out to support tree growth.

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

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.