FRANCE – Fontainebleau Forest: plantations for resilience and diversity

Background & challenges

Fontainebleau forest is facing major challenges, particularly in recent years with the effects of climate change and recurrent droughts. These phenomena are weakening the forest ecosystem and hindering natural regeneration, especially on some plots where species diversity and density are inadequate. A lack of water, which weakens trees and complicates natural renewal, is the main limiting factor.

In response, the French National Forestry Office (ONF) and A Tree for You are working to supplement natural regeneration. Since 2013, an innovative, ‘high-density nests’ method has been introduced, consisting of planting around fifteen different species on selected plots. This project forms part of a broader strategy to adapt the forest to the impacts of climate change.

This additional regeneration project in Fontainebleau Forest will deliver several short- and long-term benefits:

• Soil improvement: ‘high-density nests’ create dense vegetation cover that protects the soil from solar radiation and so limit its drying out. In the long term (100 years), this approach will help maintain the ecological role of the plots within the forest and their role as carbon sinks; note that 50% of forest carbon stock is contained in the soil.
• Water cycle regulation: improved regeneration favours the formation of protective humus – limiting evaporation and soil leaching.
• Biodiversity enhancement: the diversity of planted species provides food and shelter for a wide range of fauna, contributing to the biodiversity preservation strategy for the forest area.
• Creating a favourable microclimate: ‘high-density nests’ encourage an environment more resilient to climate extremes – by reducing temperature fluctuations and preserving soil moisture.

Beyond ecological impacts, the project includes an important educational component. Funding for every long-living tree also supports awareness-raising activities carried out at the Fontainebleau centre.

As part of ONF’s ’Learning the Forest’ programme, classes from nursery to secondary school are welcomed for immersive experiences in the forest, enabling them to understand how it functions and is sustainably managed. This approach seeks to develop essential skills such as cooperation, problem-solving, and initiative, while raising awareness about the importance of protecting forest ecosystems.

So, the Fontainebleau Forest regeneration project is really stepping up to the challenges of climate change and biodiversity. It aims to boost forest resilience by improving soil quality, water management, and carbon capture, while involving younger generations in preserving this exceptional ecosystem.

Works timeline

• October 2025: soil preparation.
• December 2025–February 2026 (depending on the weather): planting on prepared plots of land.
• 2025 or 2026: shredding access strips, if necessary.
• 2026: replanting where survival is below 80%.
• From 2028–2032: first maintenance clearing operations, every five years thereafter.
• First thinning at 35 years.
• Forest harvesting at 160 years for oaks, followed by replanting by ONF.