Thank you!
We will contact you shortly
51%
of France's forests are single-species stands
x2
tree mortality in France over the past decade
Why plant trees in forests?
Rather than planting up entire areas of bare land, we favour enrichment planting. By introducing young trees into an existing forest, we imitate nature without disrupting its established balance. This allows us to bring in new species suited to a changing climate, enhancing the overall value and resilience of the forest.
Young trees benefit from the forest microclimate, soil rich in organic matter and shelter from extreme conditions, giving them better establishment and more robust growth.
This planting approach offers many benefits: it preserves biodiversity, reduces maintenance requirements and improves forest resilience to climate change. By maintaining continuous tree cover, we reduce erosion, prevent invasive species from spreading and optimise tree growth.
Diversifying tree species
Many forests have very low tree species diversity, with just one or two species. Diversifying these forests is crucial for biodiversity, enabling them to support a wider range of species and become more resilient.
Climate resilience
Wildfires, droughts, pest and disease outbreaks: climate change is affecting our forests in many ways. Planting suitable species helps them adapt and secures a more sustainable future.
Boosting tree growth
According to a recent CNRS study, diversity of tree species and ages is positively correlated with faster tree growth. Diversifying species therefore means boosting growth, producing more high-quality timber and sequestering more carbon.
What are the benefits of planting under the forest canopy?
Enrichment planting takes place right at the heart of the forest, without first felling the existing trees in the compartment.
Preserving landscape character
By retaining the existing forest and standing trees, enrichment planting preserves the landscape character of the forest, meets with greater public acceptance and allows recreational use to continue.
Preserving biodiversity and soils
The forest canopy maintains ecological connectivity throughout the forest. Because planting is carried out sparingly, the balance of the habitat is preserved. In this way, we combat soil erosion and prevent the spread of invasive species.
More resilient young trees
The existing forest shelters young trees from the elements (wind, temperature swings, water stress, frost, etc.), resulting in higher establishment rates than open-ground planting.
Lower planting costs
Enrichment planting reduces site preparation and maintenance costs, and can be carried out gradually, spreading expenditure over time.
Our commitments
Working with natural processes
Building on the natural regeneration of our forests, we practise low-impact, close-to-nature forestry.
Protecting biodiversity
By maintaining continuous forest cover and avoiding clear-felling, we preserve woodland habitats for biodiversity.
Working with local businesses
For our forestry operations, we work with contractors based within 100 km of our forests.
Optimising carbon sequestration
By promoting tree growth, we optimise carbon sequestration in French forests.
No chemical treatments
We said "close to nature", and we mean it: no pesticides or other chemicals, and respect for forest ecosystems.
No monocultures
We favour a diverse mix of tree species in our planting to make our forests more resilient.
Tackling imported deforestation
By supplying the timber industry with sustainably managed French wood, we help tackle imported deforestation
No clear-felling
In contrast to an "industrial" approach to forestry, we avoid clear-felling by maintaining continuous forest cover.
Book a meeting
Book a meeting with Margaux to discuss our enrichment planting projects!