The poplar is the tree species that has been undeniably linked to Geraardsbergen since the 19th century. The matchstick industry, the former “Poplar Institute” of Swedish Match, the many poplar plantations, the care center “De Populier”… all bear witness to this.
Research on fast-growing poplars is still being conducted at the Institute for Nature and Forest Research (INBO) in Geraardsbergen. Poplar wood is not only suitable for making matches, but is also used for sawn timber, fruit crates, furniture, interior linings of boats and motorhomes, holiday cottages, and more.
Want to learn more about poplars? A guide will take you through the poplar plantations in and around the INBO tree nursery in Grimminge, explain the research on fast-growing poplars, and teach you how to identify the different poplar species. You will also discover how the names of various poplars (including Hunnegem, Beaupré, Boelare, Muur, Vesten, and Oudenberg) have put Geraardsbergen on the world map.