Project description
Accompany our partner the Association des Planteurs Volontaires to plant on different projects in the Nord department.
The project at a glance
- Number of trees to be planted: about 8,000
- Species planted: Charms, Country Maples, European Troënes, European Charcoals, Blood dogwoods, Rosehips, Blackthorn, Country Weapons...
- Type of project: establishment of hedges, creation of urban and peri-urban ecological corridors or agroforestry
- Planting season: Fall/Winter 2018-2019
Context and benefits
Northern agricultural lands are very poorly forested and this structural uniformity increases the risk of erosion, loss of biodiversity and leaching of ground covered with no vegetation. The association "Les Planteurs Volontaires" helps farmers and municipalities to promote afforestation. We are planting this season in different municipalities in the North such as: Wavrin, Frelinghien, Illies, Aubers, Le Maisnil, Biache St vaast, Berthen, Wormhout, Radinghem, Maubeuge, Ramecourt.
These various projects for the restoration of hedgerows or agroforestry have several advantages. Plant trees on agricultural land promotes biodiversity, increases crop yields and limits soil erosion. The species planted are hardwoods such as charm, maple, privet or charcoal, local and adapted species, accompanied by honey fruit trees such as rosehips or blackthorn.
Several projects of high ecological interest
The various projects promoted will provide a strong welcome for biodiversity on agricultural land abandoned by permanent vegetation. Indeed, agricultural consolidation, the grouping of parcels to form a single entity in order to facilitate their exploitation, has made the bocage landscape disappear. Set of small fields separated by hedges, was once the most widespread in the region. The return to these hedges of local and varied species helps to strengthen biodiversity that will find refuge there. Improving the vegetative cover of the soil will also limit the erosion of a soil that has suffered too much from driving rains and intensive agriculture.
Operations with varied benefits
In addition to the reconstitution of hedgerows, the agroforestry promoted will have another beneficial effect. Favoured animal species and insects will improve crop yields. Indeed, pests such as crop pests or rodents can be naturally regulated by others, especially birds, that trees welcome and feed!
Finally, the Association des Planteurs Volontaires, in addition to raising farmers' awareness of more gentle practices, often includes people who are being reintegrated. Young people are often involved in these activities, which aim to involve them in improving the living environment and promoting collective commitment to the general interest.
Photos of the projects
