Pyrénées-Atlantiques department of France, April 2021
The first trees planted in 2020 as part of the A Tree for You planting programme with Félix are healthy and growing well. An assisted natural regeneration (ANR) zone was established by the farmer on his land to the north. The rest of the planting took place in February-March 2021.
A second planting session took place in March 2021. In total, 75 fruit trees, 330 trees/shrubs, and 80 mulberry trees were planted. Once again, two tree technicians from Association Française d’Agroforesterie (AFAF, French Agroforestry Association) and students from Jean Errecart secondary school in Saint-Palais helped the farmer with all the necessary tasks. The teamwork during this work session proved highly rewarding for all involved.
During planting, the trees were mulched and all those over 1.8 metres tall pruned. Protection barriers were installed around each plant to protect them from wildlife.
Three hundred mulberry trees remain to be planted on Félix’s plots. A shortage of plants at two local nurseries meant he had to turn to a third nursery in the region. These young trees will be planted in the autumn of 2021 to increase their survival odds.
From now on, Félix will be taking care of his animals and crops before preparing to plant the remaining saplings in the autumn of 2021. In total, 1,208 perennial trees will embellish the plots of land and provide fodder and bedding for animals.
The plantations will be followed up in 2021 with a visit by students from Jean Errecart secondary school, who will be able to see the fruits of their hard work.
