Le petit bois

There are many poplars along the route. It is a very impressive tree, on account both of its height (30 m) and its robustness (it can withstand temperatures down to -25°C). They thrive in damp ground. The poplar has a very important place in French forestry and in the timber industry. It is usually pollarded for firewood.

n the locality known as Les Olliviers, there is a marshy area. Damp habitats like this constitute rich and diverse ecosystems. Most of them developed naturally. Wetlands have long been regarded as unhealthy and hostile environments. The requirement for urban land led to these areas being dried out. Today, wet areas are recognised for their heritage and functional benefits, as they hold remarkable biodiversity. This new awareness has led to their usage being regulated in order to protect them.

Smaller than the carrion crow, the Alpine chough is a mountain-dwelling bird of the family of corvids. Its black plumage contrasts with its yellow beak. It has a long tail with short red legs. It is easy to confuse it with the red-billed chough, especially since the latter also has a yellowish beak when immature. It can be seen all year round but in winter it prefers to flay in groups of several dozen - even hundreds of - individuals.

Even today, dead trees are regarded by many people as being of no interest. But this view is not shared by scientists: dead trees are part of a healthy forest ecosystem. They are essential for the protection of biodiversity and they are a source of food and provide a habitat for numerous plant and animal species. They create balance; even their decomposition feeds the soil and keeps it in good health!