Malicorne-sur-Sarthe forest

Located south-west of Le Mans, the Malicorne-sur-Sarthe forest is a contiguous woodland covering approximately 70 hectares within a larger complex of several hundred hectares. Its geological base is quite favourable for forest production.
However, the forest soils are relatively poor, except in some elevated areas where the soil is more clayey, particularly along the edge of the pond. These soil characteristics, therefore, favour the production of softwood species, which are better adapted to poor soils than hardwood species. As for rainfall, it is sufficient and well distributed throughout the year.
Our objective is to manage this forest as an irregular high-forest, with stands divided into three main plant associations: Maritime pine, bracken, and common heather, sporadically associated with native broadleaved species: chestnut, downy oak, birch and wild cherry; oak-chestnut woodland associated with bramble; mixed oak woodland with hazel, aspen and occasionally European hornbeam.

Our sustainable management of the Malicorne-sur-Sarthe forest led us to carry out a thinning in 2022. At the same time, staddling operations have been carried out to remove the most promising oak and chestnut branches. The timber is harvested by private individuals for use as firewood. In addition to its productive purpose, the forest area thus holds a valuable social significance.
Furthermore, we are creating light wells in the predominantly coniferous plots to allow for the emergence of new floral species and appear and enrich the biodiversity of the site.

An ecological assessment was conducted by Naturalia. Various actions to encourage both heritage and common biodiversity are underway, including: the creation of a network of ponds, particularly to encourage the presence of frogs, toads, newts and salamanders; the establishment of herpetofauna habitats for reptiles and amphibians; the installation of nesting boxes for chiropterans, red squirrels and birdlife. Den trees have also been selected for protection.
The existing pond is to be restored, and we have installed 20 beehives to encourage pollination. Measures will be taken to combat invasive exotic species such as jimsonweed and black locust, and a senescence plot may also be established.