This project, located in France, along the Route de Gartieu de Beautemps and in the Parc naturel régional Médoc, covers the restoration of two project sites: Saint-Germain-d’Esteuil and Vertheuil. The project involves reforestation after a wildfire devastated the area in 2017, leaving the land fallow. The previous owner took no measures to replant or restore the site, which was originally populated with maritime pines. The project is essential to rehabilitate the land and introduce a more diverse and fire-resistant forest composition. The surrounding area, part of the Haute Lande Girondine, is dominated by monocultures of maritime pines, making it highly susceptible to fire. Adjacent parcels have also been replanted recently with monocultures, offering an opportunity to compare forest evolution over time. This project aims to afforest an open area while enhancing biodiversity and reducing wildfire risks by introducing a more diverse forest structure by incorporating a mix of species and firebreak corridors. A total of 2,490 trees will be planted across two sites: 1. In the Saint-Germain-d’Esteuil site in the South, the reforestation effort aims to address the challenges by introducing a mix of deciduous tree species that will act as a firebreak and reduce the continuity of pine stands on the property. The species composition includes 100 green oaks, 100 tauzin oaks, 100 pubescent oaks, and 100 birches, each representing 12.5% of the total. Additionally, 400 shrubs (50%) will be planted, including species such as spindle trees, viburnums, European gorse, holly, dogwood, buckthorn, black elderberry, broom, hawthorn, dog rose, privet, and Montpellier maple. The trees will be planted in a mixed layout with 2x2.5-meter spacing. TRICO repellent is applied to deter game browsing. The long-term management strategy envisions a regular forest structure, enhancing natural regeneration and ecological stability. The project will adhere to FSC certification standards, expected to be finalized in 2025. 2. In the Vertheuil site in the North, the main parcel will contain 975 maritime pines (58%), with various oak species, chestnut, and birch forming small biodiversity islands. Two additional parcels will have 65 poplars along the forest edge. The plantation will follow a structured layout, with pines in rows and clusters of hardwoods interspersed throughout. The soil will be prepared using the "potet" technique, and a wildlife repellent will be applied to protect young trees. Forest management will follow a regular approach, with periodic clearing and application of wildlife repellents over the first three years. The project aims to achieve FSC certification by 2025 and is under the management of Sylva Nova. This reforestation effort aims to provide environmental, social, and economic benefits while addressing local challenges like biodiversity loss and fire risk, setting an example for sustainable forest management in the Médoc region. Plantation updates - Planting date: The planting took place between late February and early March 2025. - 1,790 trees planted: A total of 1,790 trees were planted across two plots covering 0.8 hectares. Plot 1 – Vertheuil (0.7 ha): 1,690 trees including 975 maritime pines (58%), 150 downy oaks (9%), 250 holm oaks (15%), 75 birches (4%), 125 chestnuts (7.5%), 50 cork oaks (3%), and 65 poplars (4%) planted along the edges. Plot 2 – Saint-Germain-d’Estheuil (0.1 ha): 100 holm oaks were planted during this phase. Trees were planted in rows spaced 2.5 × 2 meters, creating a mixed and structured plantation adapted to the site. - Planting progress vs. initial plan: The initial project planned 2,490 trees. However, excess soil moisture on plot 2 prevented the completion of the full planting during this phase. The remaining species and shrubs are expected to be planted during a second phase scheduled for spring 2026 when site conditions are more favorable. - Site conditions: The soil conditions were wet, and the presence of dense gorse vegetation made parts of the site difficult to access. Brush clearing was carried out where necessary to enable planting operations. - Planting process: The worksite included site preparation, brush clearing, tree planting, and the installation of tree protection (trico). The work was carried out by four professional planters. - Maintenance: Future maintenance will include vegetation clearing around young trees and reinforcement of protective measures (trico) to support tree establishment. Update will follow!

The region of Saint Germain sur Vienne, in France, is a very agricultural region where the cultivation of vines is important. The commune is even bordered by a river called "la Vienne". The Petit Thouars project in this region, in the regional park Loire-Anjou-Touraine, aims to plant hedges and diversified trees within a (previously monospecific) vineyard to support the transition to organic vine growing. This plantation promotes biodiversity, landscape, and the climatic aspect of the plots. It contributes to providing food and habitats for many insects, birds, chiropterans, and small mammals, bringing the life induced by this biodiversity to the heart of the plots. In addition, by establishing a better pest-predator balance, the tree plays a major role in crop protection. Planting trees and hedges in the vineyards makes it possible to restructure the landscape, recreate a harmonious and diversified ecological network, and reconcile the visual impact of human practices with nature. In the planting season of 2022-2023, with 23/01/2023 as the initiation date, there were 750 trees planted in a 520m row. The main species are hawthorn, hornbeam, beech, rosehip, oak, maple, dogwood, and spindle and they were nursed in the Naudet nursery. The specific monitoring and maintenance of the project included clearing native weeds and bushes in the first years and replanting if necessary.