Summary

This project on the Den Treek-Henschoten Estate in the Netherlands transforms 7 hectares of uniform conifer forest into a biodiverse, climate-resilient deciduous forest. By planting native and ecologically valuable species such as English oak, small-leaved lime, sweet chestnut, hazel, and alder buckthorn, the project significantly enhances biodiversity and long-term carbon sequestration. The initiative is led by the Dutch CO2 Bank Foundation, which ensures ecological, legal, and operational integrity. Through a legally binding land-use commitment, the project secures durable environmental benefits and contributes to national and global climate goals.

About the Remover

Stichting Nederlandse CO2-bank (Dutch CO2 Bank Foundation) is the project initiator and coordinator. The foundation specializes in facilitating carbon and biodiversity restoration projects within the Netherlands. It partners with landowners and sustainability-minded companies to realize forest transformation projects that are both ecologically and financially sound. The foundation provides technical expertise, legal structuring, and long-term monitoring to ensure verifiable climate impact.

Scope

The project involves the ecological transformation of 14 reforestation plots (each 0.5 hectares) across a total area of 7 hectares. The intervention includes:

Selective felling of non-native and climate-vulnerable species (e.g., Scots pine, Corsican pine, and larch)
Soil preparation and enrichment using natural amendments
Planting a diverse mix of deciduous trees and shrubs, including:
- 33% English oak (Quercus robur)
- 33% Small-leaved lime (Tilia cordata)
- 33% Sweet chestnut (Castanea sativa)
- 50% Hazel (Corylus avellana)
- 50% Alder buckthorn (Frangula alnus)
Target canopy cover of 60% within 10 years

Additionality and Permanence

This carbon removal is additional: the existing forest is nearing the end of its productive lifecycle and is dominated by low-diversity, climate-sensitive species. Without intervention, the site would not provide significant future carbon sequestration or biodiversity gains.

Permanence is secured through:

A 70-year legally binding land-use obligation registered with the Dutch land registry
A detailed planting and monitoring plan, with reporting for at least 10 years
The right of the landowner to manage the forest only under sustainable forestry guidelines, as outlined in the Dutch Environmental Act and the qualitative obligation

Landgoed Den Treek Henschoten

Total

Available

Holding