Ajoux forest

Located between the villages of Mauves and Ajoux, on the slopes of the Serre du Pied de Boeuf in the Monts d'Ardèche, the forest borders the commune of Ajoux, with which it shares a name.

The Ajoux forest is located at an altitude of between 545 and 730 m, and the hills of the mountains is made up of of ridges and valleys irrigated by permanent or temporary streams. The area is facing North on steep slope of between 35° and 15°. The climate is continental and the forest rises on a granitic geological formation.

In the Ajoux forest, part of the stand of trees underwent a clear-cutting by the previous owner before we took over its management. We have therefore began to plant different species of trees in order to ensure the resilience and therefore the durability of the forest.

The planting of nearly 39,000 trees was done in two phases: the first one in the winter of 2023/24 and the second phase in 2024/2025. Depending on the overall state of the areas, European larch, Sessile oak, Douglas fir and cedar were planted as primary tree species. To diversify the forest we also planted a range of supporting species such as Ash, Checker tree, Sorb tree, Rowan, Norway maple, Whitebeam, Sycamore Maple, Wild Cherry, Walnut, Downy Oak, and small-leaved lime.

In our Ajoux forest, we’re implementing long-term actions to protect and restore biodiversity.

After completing a bat inventory in 2024, we’ll monitor their populations until 2029 to track their activity. To protect the streams feeding the north-western plot, a 10-metre buffer zone will be left undisturbed, maintaining the riparian forest. In autumn/winter 2025, we’ll also clear the streams with the help of a local rehabilitation program.

Two small plots, one near the streams and another in the north-east, will be left as islands of senescence to evolve naturally, fostering biodiversity, especially mountain elms. Geotextile fabric was also placed on a sloped, planted area in summer 2025 to prevent erosion.

Finally, several dozen habitat trees will be preserved to provide shelter for various species.