Their first destination was the Altenhoven orchard in Bettembourg, tucked away down a quiet country lane behind the football stadium. This unassuming spot holds a distinct charm, boasting the title of Luxembourg’s largest contiguous orchard with approximately 1,200 fruit and nut trees, some standing proudly for over a century. Apples, pears, cherries, plums, chestnuts, mirabelle plums, and prunes thrive in this rich landscape.
Designated as a nature reserve since 1998, the Altenhoven orchard is maintained by volunteers, including those from the Natur an Ëmwelt (‘Nature and Environment’) association. Kelly Kieffer sheds light on the hidden treasures within: “There are many old species here that are typical of the region and some of which can only be found here. One example is the wild pear.”
Delving into the history, a farm at the end of the pear-lined avenue gave the orchard its name a century ago. Initially established to cater to the needs of labourers in the region, it provided fruit, jam, and spirits.
The resilience of the Altenhoven orchard’s centennial trees owes much to the dedicated efforts of Natur an Ëmwelt volunteers. Regular pruning ensures their longevity, contributing to a vibrant habitat for insects and birds, including the stonecrop.
However, this orchard is far from a dusty old museum; it thrives as a communal space. Visitors can harvest fruit for personal use, and an annual event invites participants to create fresh juice on-site from the gathered fruits.
Navigating his substantial responsibilities as a forester, Jeff Wagener oversees a broad territory that includes the “Jongebësch” forest cemetery in Bettembourg. At the entrance, an avenue of pear trees is in the process of being planted, promising a delightful display of white blossoms in the upcoming spring. The groundwork is complete, with dug holes awaiting the moment when the trees can establish their roots in their new home.
However, Wagener’s role extends beyond nurturing new additions to the forest. Ensuring the safety of older trees is integral to his responsibilities, preventing any risk of branches falling onto paths. Regular forest tours involve Wagener identifying and recording trees that require removal.
For him, the forest holds a profound significance, stemming from his childhood explorations, making the decision to become a forester a natural one. He expresses a deep commitment to the delicate balance of his profession, stating, “If you manage to pluck the raw material wood that we have here in Luxembourg from the complex forest ecosystem without disturbing the forest ecosystem, you’ve essentially fulfilled your mission as a forester.”
As National Arbour Day approaches on 18 November, school classes across the country have been actively participating in tree planting campaigns organised by the Hëllef fir d’Natur (“Help for Nature”) foundation since 1992.
Notable efforts this year include the planting of hedges over a 125-meter stretch by schoolchildren in Junglinster and Burglinster.
Arbour Day serves as a crucial platform to heighten public awareness of nature’s importance, emphasising the vital role trees and hedges play for both the environment and people. The act of planting trees becomes a tangible contribution in the collective fight against climate change and the preservation of biodiversity. Various campaigns are underway to promote healthier forests, reintroduce more trees into landscapes, and establish new orchards as part of this broader conservation effort.
Full report by RTL Télé on the Altenhoven orchard (in Luxembourgish)
Full report by RTL Télé on school classes planting trees (in Luxembourgish)
