woodlandheritage.org

CCF in Western Switzerland (Canton de Neuchatel)

  The Continuous Cover Forestry Group was set up to promote continuous cover forestry management. Amongst their many activities is a programme of field visits both in this country and overseas, to exchange information and increase understanding of relevant silvicultural systems. I was lucky enough to be able to attend the Swiss Tour organised by Mark Yorke (pictured left) which was hosted by Professor J.M. Schutz, an eminent figure in this field. I am very grateful to Woodland Heritage for their financial assistance in the form of a Garthwaite Travel Bursary and their support in general.

My interest in this form of silvicultural system began in my first year of a Bsc Forestry and Woodland Management at The National School of Forestry, Newton Rigg and so I set out with great anticipation. I would like to say that this is in no way a technical report, but an account of events from the viewpoint of a first year Forestry student (particularly with reference to inventories) !

On our first morning, we met with Professor J.M. Schutz (who accompanied us each day) and District Forest Manager J.M. Oberson on our way to the communal forest of Couvet, located within the Canton of Neuchatel. At an elevation of 800-950m, this is a montane forest region in a sheltered situation with an annual rainfall of 1300mm and a calcareous substrate. The main tree species are Silver fir, Norway spruce and Beech.

Within the forest setting itself, the Professor gave us a brief but concise history of the development of irregular forest silviculture in this area of the Swiss Jura. He explained that up until the mid 1800s, the forest was unregulated and heavily exploited. In 1869, in response to public concern and pressure, strict regulations regarding forest operations were put in place. At the same time, there was much interest in developing alternative forest management systems, challenging established methods of set areas and rotation periods. It was here in the Couvet that the ‘control’ method of forest management was developed and then later combined with the Plenter system by Henri Biolley, Forest District Officer of Couvet and then Forest Manager of the Canton of Neuchatel. The efforts of Biolley and other pioneers of the time led to these two systems being widely accepted and practised to the present day.

In the Couvet communal forest the goal is to gradually establish the single stem selection Plenter system. The control method uses an inventory which is carried out every 9 years (previously 6 yearly) and has been since its inception in 1890. Every stem above 17.5cm dbh is included (and therefore measured !). The timber is classified into small, medium and large and in this way the evolution and increment of the forest monitored, although it was stressed that visual assessments are absolutely vital.

Throughout the whole of the forest was an irregularity in structure that was awe-inspiring: Mature spruce, fir and beech with superb form and masses of regeneration including a very obvious middle storey.

Comment was passed on the sheer size of many of the stems and while sawmills have adapted to deal with production based on 50-60 mean dbh, some of the larger stems can pose problems. With regard to height, 40-45m is usual with stems 50m and over being the exception and growth is very regular as large crowns are produced, this being characteristic of the single tree selection system. The aim is to extract the largest stems and harvesting is by skilled chainsaw operators who cause minimal damage to the surrounding stems and the timber is winched out (see left) while the machinery stays on the road. Traditionally, the largest tree in the Community forest is recognised and celebrated as the President Tree!

In the afternoon we were given a demonstration of tree marking, with decisions on volume to be removed based on visual assessment of the stand and increments from the previous inventory. Individual tree selection is acknowledged to be a balancing act, considering the vigour of that tree, potential of neighbouring trees and regeneration. Students are encouraged to be actively involved in this selection process and are renowned for exercising too much caution and not taking out enough timber – sounds familiar!

Our hosts for the day were District Forest Manager C. H. Pochon and Forest Ranger D. Wyder during our visit to the communal forest of Le Locle, known as La Joux Pelichet. Pasture until the end of the 19th century, the community took the decision to afforest the area following heavy exploitation of existing forest and problems with flooding. Originally planted with Norway spruce, it was decided to implement the single tree selection Plenter system from the outset with the understanding that this would be a long-term plan. At an increased elevation, winters here are long and the forest is very important to the local population for amenity and recreational purposes. This area also includes a high percentage of private forest. Most owners are very involved in the management of their forests and are assisted by the Forest Rangers, so communication and compliance with good silvicultural systems and forestry legislation is on the whole excellent. However, this may be set to change, as more freedom of choice is given to owners with regard to production forestry, clearfelling and replanting.

Within the forest we visited several sites, each unique in itself, requiring a slightly different approach, but with the same aims, working with what was already there and always being mindful of stand stability. It was very interesting to discuss and observe the transformation process, which by its nature is complex and slow.

The goals are long term, and management consistent, with a section of trees marked for single tree selection felling every 10 years. Much of the discussion centred on just how to manipulate the canopy to produce the optimal conditions for regeneration and improve and fulfil the social, biodiversity, water control and production roles of the forest.

Typical multi-age and multi-species growing vigorously

This area is of a lower altitude and receives less rainfall. The inventory includes 40 different tree species (including oak, wild service tree, hornbeam, maple, beech, larch, pine, spruce), much wildlife diversity and 25 different NVCs throughout the region necessitating five selection systems. Again, the complexity of structure and species was stunning within this multi-functional community forest.

Monsieur Junod explained that a very precise inventory is carried out every 20 years (until recently this was every 10 years) with 30 different compartments marked and selectively harvested each year. The day was spent examining different sites and discussing the individual management, including recognising candidate trees in areas of young regeneration and creating necessary space around it.

Natural regeneration is so prolific that regular clearing of certain species, particularly beech, within the clearing is needed in order to release the preferred species.

As each compartment is complex, it is further subdivided and each small area managed accordingly.

I not only learnt a huge amount about continuous cover forestry as a system, but I was completely enthused and inspired by the forests, their management and the forestry staff that we had the privilege to spend time with.

They display a laid-back attitude to their forests. What we often heard was, “Leave it for now and we shall see how it develops. There is no hurry”. This comes from years of experience and knowledge. They have an intimacy with their forests, which is enviable.

I was impressed by the esteem in which foresters are held within society and the respect they have for each other. The hospitality we received was overwhelmingly generous and I hope one day to return. Thank you Woodland Heritage !