Cléden-Poher 2 Forest

Just a few kilometres from our Cléden-Poher Forest, the Cléden-Poher 2 Forest was hit hard by Storm Ciaran in early November 2023. Around 75% of the Sitka spruce trees, planted by the previous owner about thirty years ago, were lost in the storm.

The former owner, now retired, decided not to reinvest and chose to sell the land to us. In autumn 2024, after clearing the fallen trees, we will begin replanting. Our focus will be on tree species well-suited to the wet climate of this part of Finistère, including Western Red Cedar, Sitka Spruce, and Red Oak.

By reforesting this land, we aim to restore its natural beauty while ensuring a sustainable future for the forest.

With three-quarters of the Sitka Spruce stand felled due to the Storm Ciaran, we've decided to reforest the area with species better suited to this site's loamy soil and high rainfall (960 mm/year).

After the fallen trees are cleared, mulching and windthrowing will occur in autumn 2024. Reforestation is planned for 2025, with a focus on Western Red Cedar (70%), alongside Sitka Spruce (20%) and Red Oak (10%).
We've chosen Western Red Cedar for its many strengths: it thrives in cool, acidic soils, has strong wind resistance (thanks to deeper roots than Sitka Spruce), regenerates well, and its wood is highly valued, particularly for outdoor joinery (rated as Class 3 timber). However, it has a vulnerability, it's highly attractive to wildlife, especially young deer, who are particularly fond of this tree in its early years. We will use Trico, a natural repellent, to protect the young plants during the first few years.

There are currently no biodiversity actions planned for this forest.