Bee Forest
A bee friendly forest in Oudenburg.
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Trees
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Square Meters
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Native Species
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Youth Impacted
By creating a bee-friendly forest, we have successfully created a landing space for pollinators.
Bee populations are diminishing rapidly and alarmingly. By creating a tiny forest of specific native trees that flower successionally, we are able to offer the bees an almost continual food source, as well as their favored trees for winter hibernation.
Forest Maker
Nicolas de Brabandère
Forest Partner
Forest Report: 2023
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Forest Age
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Survival Rate
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Average of Tallest 3 Trees
There is an abundance of tall grass in this ecosystem. The sandy soil and strong winds have contributed to a higher mortality rate than desired at Bee forest. Nevertheless, these are the only trees in the vicinity, and so the surviving trees stand out distinctly - their presence noticeable and beautiful. There have been no thistles or nettles disrupting the ecosystem.
Biodiversity Notes:
Forest Report: 2022
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Forest Age
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Survival Rate
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Average of Tallest 3 Trees
The Bee Forest was planted on an old dune, hence why this forest faced particularly significant challenges in its first year.
Despite the severe watering restrictions, we managed to water the forest three times during the drought. Still, the forest has been visibly affected by the heat and sun. That said, we can see that the damaged saplings are re-sprouting. The range in survival rate is connected to this; we need to wait until spring 2023 to really see how many saplings fully recover.
We can see the Elm (Ulmus minor) at 160cm tall; the species is known for being resilient to drought and harsh weather and is thriving here.
The images are evidence of a Miyawaki forest showing immense resilience in the face of unprecedented climatic conditions. We foresee this forest continuing to grow and thrive, albeit at a slower rate than young forests that have not had to face the same challenges.
Biodiversity Notes:
A couple of mushrooms have been observed - mushrooms are the fruit of underground fungal hyphae forming and are a sign of important initial fungal colonisation in the soil. In addition, it is a rare sight to find wild Yellow Toadflax (Linaria vulgaris) as well as the return of the blue butterfly (Lycaenidae).
“We aim to plant a tree for every resident of Oudenburg in 2021. That’s 10,000 trees. Through the creation of two Miyawaki Forests with SUGi we are nearing our goal rapidly.”
Anthony Dumarey, Mayor Oudenburg
Planting: September 2021
“Ours is a long family history tied to the Flemish Polders so I’m thrilled about the opportunity to bring two SUGi Urban Forests to Oudenburg. By this, we also hope to inspire adjacent villages in Flandres.”
Elise Van Middelem, founder SUGi
