Monitoring Visit to Kleverbergh Planting Site

A recent monitoring visit was conducted at the Kleverbergh 2023/2024 planting site in the Netherlands. The visit provided valuable insights into the development of the planted species.

One of the most notable observations was the healthy growth of the various berry-producing shrubs, many of which were already bearing fruit. The planted trees appeared to be developing particularly well along the edges of the plot. This is likely because the central part of the site was intentionally planted with smaller berry bushes, which are better suited to the sunnier conditions found there.

The berry bushes were sometimes difficult to assess due to the presence of dense thistle and nettle vegetation, which in some areas reached heights of up to 150 cm. While this vegetation can compete with young plants, it also provides shade and protection for the developing shrubs and trees.

A diverse range of planted species was observed thriving across the site, including the four berry species, Lonicera xylosteum, Salix species, Prunus spinosa, and Viburnum opulus. Positive signs included the absence of deer browsing damage and the presence of ermine moth caterpillars, which are known to have little to no long-term impact on the health and growth of the host plants.

Overall, a moderate proportion of the planted species have successfully established, and the site shows encouraging signs of continued development.