70,000 trees to be planted in Brussels periphery

It’s Forest Week in Flanders, with the announcement that some 22,000 trees will be planted in the Brussels periphery (or the Vlaamse rand in Dutch). In a joint statement, the Flemish ministers of the environment and the periphery said that the trees would be part of more green space adding up to the size of 70 football pitches.

The green space is split into nine projects around Brussels – including in Dilbeek, Zaventem and Vilvoorde – at a cost of €2 million. “The focus is on accessible green space that residents and visitors can enjoy,” said Ben Weyts, responsible for the periphery. “The general public has little use for giant parcels of green that are completely shut to them.”

While the government is keen to point out that 22,000 trees will be planted, the net gain is somewhat murkier. One of the nine projects – in Beersel – will make up for deforesting required to widen the ring road and improve rail lines.

Another project, in Dilbeek, will see an ecological forest planted that will serve not just as a lovely spot but as a place where residents and pupils can learn more about biodiversity. “These investments will result in extra trees, and we want to plant even more trees in the coming years,” said Weyts.

Photo courtesy Vilt