An article by Anaïs Debauge, added on 26 March 2026 3 min. reading
This year, construction projects are taking place in the Écouen regional forestin Val-d'Oise. Managed by the National Forestry Office et Île-de-France NatureThis work aims to to maintain the forest, ensure its renewal and prepare for the future.
The objective of the work
The interventions focus primarily on the crossroads of Pré Curé and Luat and near the entrance to the Écouen CastleThey consist of to selectively remove a few trees for:
- Preserving the diversity of tree species
- Maintain good soil and light conditions
- Promote the development of future trees
- Preserve remarkable trees and those that shelter wildlife
A forest with “continuous canopy”
This work uses the principle of " continuous cover " or "we uneven-aged stand ", that is to say a forest composed of trees of varying ages and sizesFor this reason, the plots are never left bare, there is no clear-cutting, and the samples are taken within the plots and spaced out over time. (Source: website of the city of Écouen)
Long-term projects
These operations are part of the framework of forest management, which defines the roadmap for the management of the mountain range, until 2036. Compartmentalization, path maintenance, and cutting planning allow for protect the soil and to make the most of the harvested wood (timber, industrial timber or firewood).
Work schedule
The work had begun in February but is currently suspended from March 1st until July 31st, 2026 to respect nesting. They could then continue until the end of the year depending on weather conditions, logistical and technical constraints and the number of trees to be removed.
Once the plots have been restored, The wood is temporarily stored along the paths. before being removed. Several months can pass between the start of the logging and the complete removal of the trunks. Signs are installed on site to remind people of the security rules to the walkers.
