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France : French Forest |
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Ressources
With a wood standing volume of 2 billion m3 and 128 different species (amongst which 30 are commonly
processed by our sawmills), the French forest increases by 88 million m3 every year.
Half of this volume is yearly harvested by the first transformation industry.
Hardwood species account for 2/3rd of the harvested forest area.
Hardwood species
They are mainly located in the plain area of Northern, Eastern and Central France as well as in the main part of the South West of France.
Hardwood population are grown under high forest, coppice-withstandards, or coppice.
Fourteen hardwood species account for, each one, a minimum area of 50.000 ha ; which is an indicator of the French forest biological diversity.
Softwood species
An overview of sustainable forest management
Since 1827, France has set up a controlled forest management system.
With that wealth of experience, France has initiated the PEFC certification scheme (Programme for Endorsement
of Forest Certification Schemes) that guarantees resources renewal.
Results are in accordance with the challenge : in 50 years the french forested areas have increased by 35% while keeping its biological diversity.
PEFC guarantees the origin of the products our French sawmills offer you.
Timber resources are exceptionally abundant. Out of 126 different species, some 30 are used for sawntimber. This bio-diversity -unique in Europe- is caused by the great variety of soils and climates. It also explains the country's farming and winegrowing tradition.
The leading producer of oak and beech
Hardwood species are well distributed throughout the country, and account for two thirds of the forested area : pedunculate oak, sessile oak and beech are the predominant species. Precious species, such as wild cherry, ash, sycamore, walnut, and various others -in particular, poplar and chestnut- are also in abundance. French hardwood species represent 50% of all European stands. As a result of management principles which have stood the test of time, France is now the leading producer of top quality oak and beech.
The broadest range of softwood
Softwood species cover one third of France's forested area, providing the broadest range of softwoods in Europe -mainly Maritime pine, Scots pine, spruce, fir and Douglas fir. Other widelyrepresented species include : larch, black pine, and Corsican pine. By the year 2020, the on-going reafforestation programme should lead to the twofold increase of the softwood harvest.
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