Guided
Hiking

The maintenance of the forest

You are in front of a typical landscape of Haute-Marne forest: the undergrowth, which we notice further down. The undergrowth is composed of trees that came from previous shoots. It was once used every 30 years for individual heating and charcoal for the forges. The undergrowth is made of hornbeam, linden, maple, hazelnut and ash trees. However, the forest is formed by trees grown wildly, and is exploited for timber. Its main species are oak and beech, but also pinewood, spruce or Douglas fir trees, planted to replace some of the undergrowth, or on abandoned vineyards and old village pastures.

Little by little, the undergrowth was replaced by the forest to produce quality wood.

According to article 121 of the Forest Code, the National Forest Office is duty bound to maintain the public forests protected under strict regulations.

The balance and continuity of the forest must be maintained. Each forest has a planning defining objectives according to the type of ground, climate , always respecting biodiversity.

The forest of Haute-Marne is one of the most diverse in Europe for its woodlands.

Diversity is essential on an ecological and economical point of view. The usage of wood depends on its demand. This is why we must be able to put the highest valued species on the market, such as ash torminalis which was worth 15,000 euro a m3 in 1995

The statistics carried out regularly by the agents of the NFO (National Forest Office) enable us to know the potential of each plot of land.

In Haute-Marne, the plantation rate is 40%, (70% around Langres), one of the highest in France, with many village forests. You’ll find mostly oaks and beeches.

Now, continue your walk to the water recipient surrounded by a fence.