Hëllef Fir d’Natur Plants 20 Fruit Trees to Celebrate Grand Duke's 20-year Reign

On Tuesday 16 March 2021, the Fondation Hëllef fir d’Natur Hëllef of natur&ëmwelt celebrated the 20-year reign of His Royal Highness the Grand Duke by planting 20 fruit trees in a restored old orchard.

The foundation planted 20 fruit trees of traditional regional species on a recently acquired plot of land (1.3 ha) in "Am Kazebierg" in Flaxweiler.

Patrick Losch, President of Fondation Hëllef Fir d'Natur, and Roger Barthelmy, Mayor of Betzdorf, welcomed Grand Duke Henri and Carole Dieschbourg, Minister of the Environment, Climate and Sustainable Development, in a small group due to the current health context. Yves Kail and Elena Granda Alonso presented the orchard restoration project and the fruit tree plantation.

Minister Carole Dieschbourg praised the work of the foundation and the importance of preserving such a place. The Grand Duke and other guests could then engage in conversation while respecting barrier gestures, with refreshments provided by the municipality of Betzdorf.

Located near the village of Flaxweiler, this former orchard of tall fruit trees is part of a group of former agricultural land on the edge of the forest. The orchard is listed in the national land register of biotopes (BK09), whilst the neighbouring lands are listed as dry lawns (6210). This is a mosaic of open environment habitats of great ecological and landscape value.

Formerly exploited, these meadows, pastures and orchards were gradually abandoned. Without human intervention, these open areas will gradually be invaded by brush and end up as forest. This evolution of vegetation by natural succession leads to the replacement of plants adapted to well-sunny open environments (e.g. orchids) by pioneer shrubs and trees.

In order to best prepare for this event, Fondation Hëllef fir d´Natur carried out the first maintenance and restoration work in autumn 2020. Part of the orchard has been mechanically cleared and the hedges surrounding the fence have been partially cut back. This first step made it possible to prepare the ground for the new fruit tree plantations and to clear the boundaries of the land so that the fence could be renewed.

This tribute once again made it possible to observe the work carried out to maintain biodiversity in Luxembourg. Since 2008, the Grand Duke has supported Fondation Hëllef fir’Natur through his High Patronage. On Tuesday, Grand Duke Henri congratulated the excellent collaboration between the different partners in nature protection projects in Luxembourg.