On a plot of land that was once dry and scorched by the sun, a micro-forest is growing valiantly in Parc des Saules (meaning Willow trees Park), in the municipality of Wavre.

This project is part of Wavre’s environmental objectives for ecological transition, as set out in its “Plan d’Actions pour l’Énergie Durable et le Climat” (PAEDC). We have decided in common with the city to create a 700m2 micro-forest, inspired by the Miyawaki method, in an urban and residential area with a high concentration of inhabitants. This greening project will therefore create an oasis of freshness (a cool spot) for the neighbourhood’s residents, while also making use of this unused land.

Several players have made this project possible. First of all, the City of Wavre, with whom we have been able to collaborate from the outset, from design to implementation, the citizens of Parc des Saules, who have been able to contribute their opinions and various aspects to be taken into account so that this project has a positive impact on the neighbourhood. And finally, CIT Blaton & JCX Immo , who provided the funding and the teams to carry out the planting in a participatory manner.

In this project, SOWoods is contributing its expertise in overall project management, design and feasibility analysis, the implementation of participatory planting, and monitoring the project’s progress following planting.

Particular attention has been paid in this project to the selection of tree species and their positioning in relation to nearby housing. This is specifically to anticipate the growth of the tallest trees so that they do not negatively impact the environment around the micro-forest in the future.