De Hoop Terneuzen is once again creating forest in collaboration with Staatsbosbeheer
30 May 2025The collaboration between De Hoop Terneuzen and Staatsbosbeheer is bearing fruit: 25 hectares of new forest have now been planted. This marks a new milestone in their shared goal to create a total of 100 hectares of new forest. At the end of 2023, 5.26 hectares of woodland were established in Moerdijk, accounting for 11,941 new trees. More recently, 4.20 hectares of forest were created at De Keizer Oostburg and Pontebos Oost in IJzendijke.
Thanks to favourable weather conditions, the plots in Oostburg and IJzendijke could still be planted during this season. The new forest contributes to the region’s biodiversity and climate resilience. A rich mix of native tree and shrub species was chosen, including pedunculate oak, hornbeam, wild cherry, black alder, walnut, beech, and guelder rose. This new forest will be incorporated into Staatsbosbeheer’s regular FSC-certified forest management cycle, ensuring sustainable maintenance.
Previously, the partnership between De Hoop Terneuzen and Staatsbosbeheer had already resulted in approximately 15.5 hectares of new forest in Zeeuws-Vlaanderen. For example, in the winter of 2021, 11.5 hectares were planted in Braakman-Zuid and 4 hectares near Koewacht. These areas have since developed into young, thriving woodlands that support biodiversity, recreation, and CO₂ storage. With the recent planting of over 9.5 hectares in Moerdijk, Oostburg, and IJzendijke, the total now stands at 25 hectares—marking a tangible step by De Hoop towards a sustainable future.
De Hoop’s investment will result in 100 hectares of additional forest in Zeeland and West Brabant, amounting to around half a million new trees. These trees will be planted in locations where they are most needed and will contribute to increased biodiversity, more recreational opportunities, and higher CO₂ storage: an average of 10 to 14 tonnes of CO₂ per hectare per year.
Growing towards a greener future
The collaboration is part of the Dutch National Forest Strategy, which aims to create 37,000 hectares of new forest in the Netherlands by 2030. Staatsbosbeheer is responsible for 5,000 hectares of this target, of which over 1,200 hectares have already been realised—thanks in part to partners such as De Hoop Terneuzen.