Before the half-hectare plot of land was acquired, it had been neglected for many years. As a result, all the vegetation had been given free rein to grow rampant.
Wild blackberry bushes had taken hold of virtually the entire area. I cleared the land with a brush cutter and off course the indispensable help of my friends. Jean Paul, the neigbour, helped me out with removing old fences in which grass and blackberries completely intertwined.
Every square metre was fought for, with care for existing trees, and rewarded with pleasant surprises. Fourtien walnut trees had grown to a height of about four meters, thanks to the squirrels.
Also wild plum and cherry trees had seeded themselves. It was wonderful to see how some trees found their way to the light in the overgrown forest. Although crooked and twisted, they produce delicious fruit.
The renovation involves not only saving existing fruit and nut trees, but also planting new trees and shrubs. My daughter helped me with the design of my dream forest.
Where possible, the principle of a food forest is applied. This is a vital ecosystem with the aim of producing food. It includes both edible plant species and species that help develop the ecosystem. With a rich forest floor life as a starting point. Click for photos in the gallery
The old barn, built in the characteristic style of the Bresse region, had fallen into disrepair. Little by little, it is being renovated to restore it to its authentic state as a beacon in new nature. Click for “before and after” photos.
