Attenhoven (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – The De Grooten Hof orchard in Attenhoven reopened after restoration with 83 new fruit trees, supported by LEADER Hageland+ and Monique Swinnen, preserving heritage and nature.
As VRT News reported, in Attenhoven near Landen, in the province of Flemish Brabant, Belgium, the historic De Grooten Hof orchard has reopened after a major restoration. To restore the piece of heritage, the City of Landen purchased the orchard grounds and worked with the Regional Landscape Zuid-Hageland on a full renewal project.
A total of 83 new standard fruit trees were planted to bring back the traditional high-stem orchard. The brick pillars were repaired, and a new pasture fence was placed to match the area’s rural style. The orchard is now managed naturally with cattle and sheep grazing the land. No fertilisers or pesticides are used.
“This way, the orchard once again becomes an ecologically valuable grassland and a place for young and old,”
The province states.
How did De Grooten Hof in Attenhoven return to life in 2025?
A local manager now helps maintain the orchard and ensures the trees are properly cared for throughout the year. In return, the manager is allowed to pick and process the fruit from the trees. The harvested fruit is handled locally.
Officials mentioned that alongside the restored orchard, a new social zone has been created where residents can pick fruit and relax. This green area forms a natural link between Lindestraat and Kastelstraat. The project received financial support from LEADER Hageland+, together with European, Flemish, and provincial partners.
Chair Monique Swinnen said the orchard shows how green spaces can be restored and turned into meeting places.
“With De Grooten Hof, we show how village greens can be rebuilt with support from different levels,”
She explained.
“It is an investment in heritage, nature, and social cohesion.”
“De Grooten Ho demonstrates how green spaces and heritage contribute to the livability of our villages,”
Adds Torn Dehaene, Deputy for Rural Policy and Europe.
“It’s wonderful to see how residents, agriculture, and nature come together here in an experiential environment.”
The De Grooten Hof orchard in Attenhoven has a long history that goes back to the 18th century, when it was part of the rectory grounds and used as a high-stem fruit orchard. For many years, it supplied fruit to residents and formed a key part of the village centre together with the church and rectory.
Over time, the orchard fell into neglect, and many old trees disappeared. In 2023, the City of Landen bought the site to protect it as part of the protected village view of Attenhoven. Restoration work started the same year.
