The reforestation project in Soumoy is presented below. A reforestation project like you’ve never seen! This program aimed to support the planting of 2,000 trees (14 species!).
Project Supported by
A reforestation like you’ve never seen!
The resilience of forests lies in diversified forests, meaning the planting of different tree species.
Many different species make up this project. This makes this reforestation a biodiversity laboratory with many biogenic species (downy oak, black alder, wild service tree) or light-canopy species (larch, Scots pine). Thus, trees are hosts for fauna, flora, fungi, bacteria. They therefore allow biodiversity to establish itself through their presence, but also through the organisms they host: birds, bees, butterflies, ladybugs, mammals, etc.
Let us tell you: a growing forest teems with life and makes one feel very small! It is a changing ecosystem that provides food and refuge areas, which will evolve over time!
Let us also not forget soil biodiversity. The complementary root systems will also play a role in soil quality, nutrient cycles, and of course, carbon sequestration. Furthermore, working with species diversity means involving a diversity of root systems. This plays an important role in soil stability, water percolation in the soil, etc. The root system is more robust and the afforestation can withstand extreme events (wind, drought, ….) caused by global change.
The vertical growth of trees also allows for carbon sequestration. This continues beyond reforestation depending on the use made of the wood.
Soumoy Reforestation in Detail
We support the reforestation of 2,000 trees across 1.26 hectares in Soumoy.
14 species are present:
- Larch sp. – Larix sp. : 751
- Scots Pine – Pinus sylvestris: 337
- Bornmüller’s Fir – Abies bornmuelleriana: 84
- Black Locust: Robinia pseudoacacia: 82
- Atlas Cedar – Cedrus atlantica: 211
- Lawson Cypress – Chamaecyparis lawsoniana: 48
- Corsican Pine – Pinus nigra subsp. Laricio Maire: 53
- Walnut – Juglans regia: 38
- Spruce – Piceas abies: 177
- Douglas Fir – Pseudotsuga menziesii: 6
- Downy Oak – Quercus pubescens: 96
- Black Alder – Alnus glutinosa: 42
- Purple Beech – Fagus sylvatica purpurea: 13
- Wild Service Tree – Sorbus torminalis: 62
Among this selection, we find species chosen for their ecological characteristics to tolerate high temperatures, drought, and also extreme cold
- Planting period: Winter 2020-2021.
- The recovery rate was >80% in autumn 2021.
- PEFC-certified forest management.
- 171.48 tonnes of CO2 sequestered over 30 years.
Project carried out in partnership with the Royal Forestry Society of Belgium.
Visit to the Soumoy Plot
The PlantC team visited the site on May 16, 2023. We were welcomed by the forest owner. Let us take you along!
While walking along the forest paths to reach the plot, the forester explained that he had recently purchased the plot, but that for nearly 50 years, there had been no management. When it came to considering which species to select, the objective of diversification was quickly put on the table. From an old coniferous plantation, the plot now hosts a beautiful diversified reforestation, indicating that to carry out such a project, the primary objective should not be profitability.
We can observe a good recovery of the plants, although some infill planting was carried out for a few. Indeed, the long drought period of 2022 did not spare nearly 500 plants. Each listed species was verified during the visit!
Brambles are kept on the ground to protect the saplings from herbivores. Indeed, the deer’s interest will be diverted to the bramble patch. Furthermore, as the shrub is quite thorny, it is less pleasant to approach the tree sapling.
What a pleasant visit! During the walk between the two plots, we observed the footprints left on the ground by forest wildlife: deer, raccoons, … In fact, a deer passed right in front of us!
There will be no more flail mowing; the plantation is taking its course. The birch trees that have spontaneously established themselves will be preserved because they “support” each other.
In the middle of the plot stands a majestic beech tree. It is left in place. “Why not leave it so it can still provide shade for the smaller ones? Economically, it has no value. Biologically, yes!” explains the forester.
Protection or not?
The debate is: should the seedlings be protected or not?
The decision was made not to protect the larch plot, as these are planted densely. Deciduous trees, on the other hand, are more palatable and more expensive. Here, individual protection is necessary in this specific case. It is a compromise, but the forester would be tempted not to protect them in the future.
“The passion for the forest is a family story! But to successfully carry out a planting today, vigilance remains essential. The main point is to receive saplings early! And not in February, when we know that spring and summer are now very/too hot.”
The plots are located near an open plain on one side, and cultivated fields on the other. The alternation of these diverse ecosystems strongly contributes to the protection and diversification of species. It is important to be able to contain wild boars given the large surrounding crops. Hunting therefore takes place a maximum of twice a year for this purpose.
We leave happy: happy to see that this project is closely monitored, happy for this moment of sharing and learning. Thank you for your contributions and thank you to the forester for his trust.
