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.