Wrapped up in down jackets, gloves and rubber boots, around twenty people gathered in Colombiers-sur-Seulles to plant there in a few hours the smallest urban microforest in France!
240 trees were thus rooted on a plot of less than 80 m2, nestled between several dwellings.
The principle of this initiative is directly inspired by the method of the Japanese professor, Akira Miayawaki.
“We plant 3 trees per square meter.
A tree of high stem, another of medium stem and a shrub.
Under these conditions, trees naturally seek light and to achieve this, they grow on average up to 10 times faster than usual!
And since diversity is strength, we have also chosen to plant only local species, that is to say species that can be found here independently of human intervention.
There are 28 different species in our microforest, from ornate to beech, including hornbeam, ash, hawthorn and privet, ”explains Stéphanie Heissat, who started the project.
Lower the temperature by 2 degrees
The aim is to provide a local response to current climate challenges: these small, very dense forests allow in urban areas to absorb rainwater, filter polluted particles from the air and ultimately lower the temperature by up to two degrees. temperature of neighboring urban blocks.
“But it's also very rewarding to support a place like this together.
We plant with residents of all generations, including neighborhood children who have come to lend a hand.
It is a very beautiful harmony, between us, but also with the trees, the animals, the surrounding nature.
We feel in our rightful place, ”explains Hélène, one of the participants.
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It remains to follow the evolution of this microforest.
For this, 7 "guardians" including two children were appointed.
They will be responsible once a month to come and make sure that everything is fine, remove anything that could possibly hinder the growth and water if necessary.
Then, within 3 years, the forest should be absolutely autonomous.
For those interested in this initiative, you can contact Stéphanie Heissat: stephanie.heissat@hotmail.fr
