Characteristic Forests
The zone of influence of the South Atlantic Arc has a wide range of flora. Different types of forests can be seen depending on the use made. Below is a list of the forests that characterize each region, country by country.
FRANCE
Walnut trees, a richness in the landscape of Poitou-Charentes
This species was common in the last century and it is coming back, thanks to strong support from the Institute for Forest Development and the Regional Centre of Private Property. Walnut trees are sensitive to frost and very demanding in terms of site quality, as they require rich and deep soils. They do not tolerate summer droughts. This species is set in well plough lands, either by direct seeding or by planting of seedlings; its planting framework is of about 10-12 meters. Pruning of trees is done to a height of 3 to 6 m to give a good quality shaft for lumber and the annual harvest of nuts can provide a regular income for the farmer.
The chestnut in Poitou-Charentes, a multiple-use forest
Covering 20,000 hectares, the chestnut is the second most important species, based on the area repopulated, after the oak in the area of Poitou-Charentes. These stands, which propagate through sprouting, form the traditional forest that occurs in limestone and acidic soils in temperate regions with 700 mm annual rainfall. When it is not attacked by the chestnut blight productivity of these stands may exceed 8m3ha/year. Normally, logging occurs every 35-50 years with a density of 150 - 250 feet / ha, reaching diameters of 35-50 cm.
Private forests of Dordogne: inheritance of former agricultural uses
The French department of Dordogne is covered by about 400,000 hectares of fragmented forests. In nearly a century the forest area has doubled, mainly due to rural depopulation. Former agricultural land uses have left their mark on the current forested landscape. Approximately 99% of forest area belongs to private owners. The average size of the properties is less than 4 ha. The main forest species in the Dordogne are chestnut, maritime pine and oak. Chestnut forests propagate through sprouting, and they can be mixed with some pines or oaks. Logging is done approximately every 30 years. Annual production is of 328,000 m3 of roundwood. It is mainly used for furniture, panels, pulp, poles and firewood.
Poplars in the valley of the Garonne
French poplar groves cover more than 238,000 ha. In Aquitaine the area occupied by poplars represents 12% of the total area of poplar in France, and it is in two departments: Garonne and Gironde. Reforestation with poplars is mostly done in private land. They represent 3% of the total forest area of Aquitaine and produce about 108.000 m3 per year. This represents almost 30% of total timber production in the region. Most of poplar wood is used for boxes and packaging due to the proximity of a strong gardening market activity. Forestry practices are characterized by the use of clones, mainly I-214, I-45 / 5 I and Dorskamp . In good quality forests, logging is usually carried out the 15th year of the rotation. Currently, producers are seeking a greater diversity of the plant used and the age classes to reduce phytosanitary risks. They also have to look after the environment, especially in wetlands.
Maritime pine forests of Aquitaine: cultivated forests
Maritime pine forest occurs primarily in the “Landes de Gascogne”, and currently covers nearly 860,000 ha. It was established in the mid-nineteenth century in order to make this great swamp area more habitable, this repopulation is dedicated to the production of wood for construction and pulp. It is managed in a sustainable manner, mostly by private forest owners using modern forestry methods. The annual harvest is about 8,100,000 m3. This represents 86% of maritime pine harvested in Aquitaine and almost 24% of the total harvest in France. Modern monitoring methods have been used in the past 50 years to ensure that problems caused by insects, fire and weather damage are minimized. The forest of the “Landes de Gascogne” suffered extensive damage during the heavy storms in December 1999. In addition to extensive damage (28 million cubic meters for maritime pine), significant changes in markets, wood resources available, etc. were introduced. Although the primary objective is timber production, this woodland also provides benefits such as soil and water protection or recreation.
