Mandelwijk Forest
A community forest in Oudenburg.
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Youth Impacted
The ‘Mandelwijk’ is a social housing project that went through a recent renovation. The City Council of Oudenburg appointed SUGi to help further restore the community with a Miyawaki forest, forming part of their ‘Boomplusplan’ implementation.
The Mandelwijk Forest has improved the area’s biodiversity, urban resilience and contributed to the creation of a pleasant and healthy living environment - helping to leave a sustainable world for future generations.
Forest Maker
Nicolas de Brabandère
Forest Partner
Forest Report: 2023
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Average of Tallest 3 Trees
This forest has faced significant challenges due to the sandy soil and constant wind, resulting in a notable mortality rate. We have noticed thistles and nettles which will need to be removed for the overall well-being of the ecosystem. As the area is exposed to strong winds, the surrounding area around the forest needs to be well-maintained.
Amidst these conditions, however, there is an abundance of tall grass and vibrant flowers have bloomed, adding a touch of beauty to the landscape. We have also spotted a variety of wildlife, including insects and mammals.
Biodiversity Notes:
Forest Report: 2022
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Average of Tallest 3 Trees
Due to city restrictions, Mandelwijk Forest was not watered throughout the drought and thus suffered a bit. Moreover, it is important to consider that the forest was planted into an area of water-logged anaerobic soil, which added an extra challenge in its first year.
Even though the forest has been visibly affected by the harsh summer, we can see that heat- and sun-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.
It was also a conscious choice to keep the long grasses and weeds in place, to help build soil fertility naturally, aerate the soil, but also to give shade to the saplings.
Overall, our evidence demonstrates that this is 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.
“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
