(Re)Forestation Program

Committed to sustainable forest management, the Fonds Charlois pour l’Art et la Forêt Fund launched an ambitious tree-planting initiative in 2019, averaging 40,000 plants per year. This program, designed to span nearly 10 years, considers biodiversity, its healthy development, and the impacts of climate change.

The planting program covers several forests across France and represents over 400,000 trees planted across approximately 140 hectares.

REFORESTATION #1 – Forêt de la Doué

Geographical Location : Saint-Aubin-les-Forges – Nièvre

Surface : 32 ha

STATION

The climate is characterized by an annual rainfall of approximately 850 mm, fairly evenly distributed throughout the year, and an average temperature of around 10°C. The altitude ranges from 225 to 280 meters.

The geology of the massif consists of alteration clays with silexites, developed on Dogger and Malm limestones. The soils are predominantly clayey, with a significant presence of small-sized flint (silexites) in certain areas.

The water retention capacity of these soils is good, with effective drainage. Overall, these rich soils have strong forestry potential, particularly favoring the growth of oak and Douglas fir.

PARCEL HISTORY

Located on the southwestern edge of the Bertranges State Forest, the Forêt de la Doué was originally covered with pedunculate oaks and sessile oaks managed as coppice with standards. By 1960, the stands were of poor quality and had a low density of oaks. At that time, the original oak-based stand was replaced with a Douglas fir plantation. Regularly maintained, this stand reached maturity and was harvested in 2017.

(Re)Forestation Program

September 2018 – Parcel Preparation

The soil preparation for this forest involves four parcels and takes place following the forestry operations. Its objectives are to: 

– Arrange the branches and level the stumps to facilitate the planting of young trees.

– Improve the soil structure to promote the establishment of young plants and accelerate their growth.
– Limit competition from weeds.,

– Facilitate future maintenance by removing obstacles to mechanization.

– Simplify the planting process for young trees.

Tree residues (branches, treetops, etc.) are arranged in windrows to enrich the soil over time. Additionally, two small water points have been created to promote biodiversity.

March 2019 – Parcel Planting

The reforestation of the Forêt de la Doué began on March 11, 2019, with a planting density of 1,500 stems per hectare (a total of 44,695 plants for this forest).

Tree planting is carried out from autumn to spring, with a preference for spring planting in heavy, moist soils and autumn planting in light, sandy soils. Bare-root plants can be planted from mid-November to mid-March, while potted or root ball plants can be planted from October to the end of April. 

It is best to avoid planting when the soil is frozen, covered with snow, or saturated with water. Similarly, planting should be avoided during periods of intense sunlight, strong dry winds, or very cold weather.

The mix of tree species was selected based on the soil conditions as well as to ensure that this young forest can withstand climatic challenges. The predominant species is oak, accounting for over 65%, followed by Douglas fir.