Laneuville forest

Located in the Meuse department of France, this 36-hectare forest is part of a larger forest complex that covers about 60% of the department's land. Like many forests in the Grand Est region, it has suffered significant damage from attacks by bark beetles. All the Norway Spruces present in the forest died and were harvested a few years before we took over its management. While spruces were not the majority species, the oaks that were present were also harvested by the previous owner, likely due to poor health. A former poplar plot was also cleared prior to our purchase. The young plantations that were planted in recent years have not been monitored.

Some areas will be left to evolve naturally, including a small parcel where beehives have been installed. Additionally, two high-voltage power lines cross the forest, requiring certain adjustments to our plans. We are planning a range of forestry works to guide this forest towards a resilient ecosystem, based on our core principles of continuous-canopy mixed forestry.

The plots that have been clear-cut by the past owners, are now barren, overrun with blackthorn, acacia, ash, hawthorn, wild rose, and brambles. These plants have formed dense, impenetrable thickets with no long-term potential. We plan to plant Oak, Pine, and Maple, chosen based on a pedoclimatic study conducted by Georges Pottecher's forestry company. A mixed high forest stand (pines and mixed hardwoods) will be developed to create an irregular high forest. After partical cuts, we will assess the standing timber volume and species diversity.

In the north-west corner, a hardwood plantation planted a few years ago has been neglected and will require a "Close-to-nature" forestry management partical cut to assess the remaining standing trees. To the west, a young hardwood plantation has been entirely overtaken by brambles and will need to be fully restored. The final parcel, located further west, is a grove of various trees and shrubs, which will be left to grow freely. In short, on this gently sloping forest, we will prioritise oaks on the higher ground, pines on the lower slopes, and maples to the east.

Under the power line that cuts across the forest from east to west, a 10-meter-wide strip will remain uncultivated. However, under the smaller power line to the south, we will plant bushes that will enhance biodiversity and require minimal maintenance, as they will stay at a manageable height.

To enhance the area's biodiversity, a variety of pine and yew species will be planted alongside the oaks. These pines will be complemented by Wild Cherry and Rowan, creating a diverse and thriving ecosystem.
Along the forest edges, we will enrich the biodiversity further by planting fruit and nut trees, which will stand for generations. Beneath the powerline that crosses the forest, a mix of shrubs will be planted, fostering diversity and adding another layer of richness to the forest's ecosystem.