Zoersel Phase 2: A Site Visit

A recent visit to the Zoersel Phase 2 planting site in Belgium provided valuable insights into the project's progress. The monitoring, conducted on October 28, 2025, revealed that maintenance activities, including irrigation and mulching, had been carried out. While a substantial portion of the planted saplings were thriving, certain species, notably the hedge plants (including varieties of castanea, sorbus, crataegus, pines, sambucas, and Corluys avelana), as well as Juglans and castanea, exhibited a higher rate of mortality than others. Interestingly, natural regeneration was observed, suggesting the potential for long-term ecosystem resilience. The site has experienced some adverse conditions, including heavy winds and drought, impacting plant development. The dominance of grass and the exposed location appear to be particularly challenging for the hedge plants, prompting consideration of increased planting density to mitigate these factors.