Alpes-De-Haute-Provence, France, June 2025
Thanks to your generosity and commitment to biodiversity, the tree-planting project led by Marion Soum in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department of France, is now successfully completed. Together, we rose to the challenge of recreating a resilient, productive ecosystem that respects and supports life in a region increasingly affected by drought.
Food forest in the making
Spanning three years (2022 to 2024), the project aimed to establish a diverse, forest-inspired planting scheme based on food forest fundamentals. In total, 620 trees and shrubs were planted, representing more than 70 different species and including:
- Fruit trees: fig, quince, almond, pomegranate, peach, apple, pear, cherry, plum, pawpaw, pistachio, feijoa, apricot, medlar, seaberry…
- Native and Mediterranean broadleaf trees: ash, lime, hornbeam, maple, rowan, hackberry, eucalyptus, paulownia, poplar…
- Nitrogen-fixing and pollinator-friendly shrubs: viburnum, goumi, coronilla, eleagnus, winter jasmine, forsythia, spirea, elder, cotoneaster…
- Unusual or rare species: pecan, ginkgo biloba, Judas tree, mastic tree, honey tree, butterfly lavender, witch hazel…
The initial targets in terms of the number of trees planted were almost met, and the slight shortfall is explained by a focus on quality: the project proved more ambitious in terms of plant diversity, with over 70 different species planted, and Marion invested beyond the planned budget to ensure the success of her orchard.
Climate-resilient project Rooted in its landscape
Marion set out with the ambitious goal of designing a self-sustaining, productive ecosystem adapted to the region’s specific challenges – including poor soils, altitude, and long dry spells. Through careful soil preparation, complementary plant combinations, and regular follow-ups, the project successfully overcame both the climate and technical constraints.
Planted in various zones – shaded areas, fruiting hedgerows, sunny slopes and open ground – the trees and shrubs are helping create a diversity of microclimates ideal for long-term growth.
Human and collective adventure
More than a plantation, this project became a collective adventure: involving volunteers, friends, neighbours, and landscape professionals – and of course, you, our donors, without whom none of this would have been possible.
Thanks to your support, high-quality plants and mulching material were sourced, sustainable agroecological techniques implemented, and valuable local know-how shared.
What’s next?
The food forest is now entering its growing phase. Marion will continue monitoring and caring for the site, especially during the dry summer months. In time, the forest will become a haven for biodiversity, a place for harvesting, an educational resource, and a living symbol of what community-led ecological action can achieve.
A heartfelt thank you for your trust, support and commitment.
With your help we planted trees, and more besides! We planted hope for a greener, more resilient future.
