Nature landscaping as part of high-voltage grid adaptation projects

As part of Elia's high-voltage grid enhancement projects (Major Infrastructure Projects), Ecofirst supports the municipalities concerned in the conception and implementation of nature landscaping, funded by Elia, across their entire municipal territory.

Working closely with municipalities and local stakeholders (DNF, Contrats de Rivière (River protection organisations), nature parks, tourist offices, etc.), Ecofirst draws on the multidisciplinary expertise of its team (naturalists, foresters, negotiators) to jointly develop proposals for developments that are adapted to the identity of the territories and the ecological issues identified.

Once the projects have been approved by the municipalities, Ecofirst provides operational support, including the submission of planning permit applications, the drafting of specifications, contacts with contractors, and overseeing the works. Ecofirst also takes responsibility for the administrative and financial monitoring of the developments.

Below are some of the actions carried out in the nine municipalities:

Promoting biodiversity and habitats

Creation of (a network of) ponds

• Installation of vegetated baskets to promote fish populations
• Creation of flower meadows
• Planting of orchards, hedges, tree lines, and isolated trees
• Control of invasive alien species

Welcoming and protecting wildlife

• Installation of nesting boxes (connected, for sand martins, etc.)
• Creation of new bat houses

Structuring the territory and ecological continuity

• Study of the municipal green and blue infrastructure and development proposals

Landscape and visitor facilities

• Restoration of viewpoints
• Development of walking trails, visitor areas, and observatories
• Installation of visitor facilities
• Creation of information panels

Our expertise for this project:

• Overall project coordination and budget management: O. Noël
• Consultations and report writing : O. Noël, L. Coquelet
• Support for municipalities, implementation and monitoring of actions: O. Noël, M. Manderlier, L. De Neyer

Some press review:

- (FR)TV news of the local television Vedia, May 28, 2021

- (FR) Press article of the RTBF, May 25, 2021

- (FR) Press article of Matélé, August 6, 2024

- (FR) Press article of Qu4tre, February 18, 2025