Vienne department of France, August 2025
Over the winter of 2020/2021, Guillaume, a farmer in the Vienne region of France, planted 605 trees to produce fodder and delimit his plot of aromatic plants. His planting aims to enrich biodiversity, improve soil fertility, and serve as an example to other farmers keen to adopt this more sustainable way of farming.
Careful follow-up and vigorous growth
A technical monitoring visit in April 2025 by the tree and hedge association Prom’Haie confirmed the plantation is in excellent condition. Guillaume has remained fully committed to taking good care of it: every dead plant has been replaced since 2021 and consistent mulching has helped protect the young trees from bad weather. Some species – such as wild pear, wild plum, goat willow, and blackthorn – have grown particularly well.
A diversity of species to support biodiversity
As part of the project, a total of 605 young trees, representing 34 different species, were introduced. These include oaks, wild cherry, hornbeam, hazel, and several fruit trees (apple, pear, fig, almond…), as well as many native species like dogwood, blackthorn, and alder buckthorn. This diversity is already encouraging the return of local wildlife, with hedgerows and tree lines providing rich new habitats.
Challenges overcome
Game browsing pressure, which especially impacts species like dogwood, field maple, and spindle – has slowed growth in some parts of the plantation. Nevertheless it remains in excellent conditionoverall. Some tree guards have even been removed, a sign that the hedges have reached a good level of resilience.
Inspiring project for the future
This initiative has helped improve understanding of how local wildlife interacts with newly planted species, as well as providing valuable insight on species selection for future projects in the region. Guillaume is proud of the results and pleased with the positive impact on his farm: more biodiversity, better wind protection, and greater landscape value.
A heartfelt thank you
This achievement would not have been possible without your generosity. Each tree planted is a step forward for more resilient and nature-friendly agriculture. The project is coming to an end and it is a great success!
