Label Bas Carbone certified project
The Richarville project aims to restore a forest devastated by a fire in July 2019, caused by an agricultural machine. Faced with insufficient natural regeneration, a reforestation operation has been initiated using a variety of tree species adapted to the soil and climate. The reforestation is organised into two distinct zones to meet the specific needs of each species and encourage their growth.
The first zone is planted with oak, black ash and corm trees, while the second zone is dedicated to chestnut, red oak and hybrid larch. To protect the young plants, some of the brambles are retained to keep out game. Finally, habitat trees have also been preserved to support local biodiversity.
Richarville, Essonne (Ile-de-France), in the heart of a classified wooded area to be preserved and a classified site.
3,3 ha planted
Sessile Oak, Pubescent oak, Chestnut, Red oak, Hybrid larch, Wild Service-tree, Service-tree
About 4712 trees
The Richarville project is part of a regional context marked by strong urban pressure in the west of the Ile-de-France region, particularly in Essonne. Located in the southern half of the department, in a peri-urban and rural area close to the Dourdan national forest, it is an area where the balance between the economic, social, environmental and landscape functions of forests is essential. This region, characterised by its ecological diversity, has been the focus of particular attention since the storm of 1999, which led to the development of a guide to forestry sites to guide silvicultural choices.
The project site is located in a regulated ans ecologically sensitive environment. It is part of the Vallée de la Renarde classified site, for which authorisation is required for any work that alters its appearance, and is part of the Bois de Montbardon classified woodland area, protected by the Local Urban Plan. The project is also part of the regional green and blue network, identified as a biodiversity reservoir and type 2 Ecological, Faunistic and Floristic Corridor (ZNIEFF), underlining its importance for the preservation of diverse habitats and heritage species. These different sratuses testify to the ecological value of the site and provide a strict framework for forestry operations.
REI Habitat, as part of the 1 immeuble 1 Forêt initiative for its wood up operation, has contributed 599 tonnes of CO2 to the reforestation project in Richarville. These will be verified at the end of the audit carried out 5 years after planting.
The Richarville project is part of the method "Reconstitution de forêt dégradée" (Restoration of degraded forest) from Label Bas Carbone, a certification examined and issued by the French Ministry for Ecological Transition (DREAL)
The wooded parcel is part of an existing sustainable management document: The owner has set up a Simple Management Plan, approved by the Centre National de la Propriété Forestière (CNPF).
The project focuses on 7 tree species, the majority of which are indigenous (65%). The main species are Oak and Chestnut for timber production, along with precious hardwoods such Wild service-tree and Service-tree. Fast-growing species such as Red oak and Hybrid Larch complete this selection.
Five large habitat trees will be preserved on the plot, providing essential micro-habitats for flora and fauna. This approach strenghtens ecological continuity with neighbouring wooded areas.
The project uses soil-friendly methods such as strip subsoiling and limited bramble grinding. The biomass from the shredding is left on site, naturally enriching the soil without extraction, to ensure sustainable management of the plot.
The trees are planted in two distinct blocks. The first, on the hedge of the forest, is a mixture of oaks and precious hardwoods covering 1 ha, creating a visible and coherent natural transition with the listed site. The second, covering 2.3 ha, is dedicated to fast-growing species such as Chestnut, Red Oak and Hybrid Larch, planted in alternation.