Welcome to our
campsite in Vielle-Saint-Girons
! From your pitch in Vielle-Saint-Gironsyou’re in the heart of an ocean of greenery: the Landes de Gascogne forest. But behind the apparent uniformity of the pines lies a rich history and surprising biodiversity. Let’s discover this natural heritage heritage.
Why were pine trees planted in the Landes?
The Landes landscape has not always been a pine forest. In the early 19th centuryit was a plain of wet moorland and swampsdeemed “unproductive”. The shepherds guided their herds on stilts.
The change came with the law of June 19, 1857prompted by Napoleon IIIto reclaim land and and develop. L’State obliged communes in Gironde and Landes à drain and seed nearly a million hectares, mainly of maritime pine. maritime pineadapted to poor soil.
This decision has transformed landscapes and thelocal economymaking Landes trees the driving force behind thewood and resin industry.
Which tree is emblematic of the Landes region?
Unsurprisingly, the king of the forest is the maritime pine (Pinus pinaster). It makes up almost all of the massif, which is now the world’s largest artificial forest d’Europe. This tree, which can reach 30 meters recognizable by its long long needles and thick bark. thick, fissured bark.
Initially exploited for its resin (the gemmage), it has become the mainstay of a highly efficient timber industry. Thanks to over 60 years of genetic improvementcarried out by institutes such asINRA, productivity has risen sharply. Average production has risen from 4 to almost 12 m³ per hectare per year in fifty years. These Landes trees are managed as a veritable culturewith planting and cutting cycles to supply the industries of the Aquitaine region.
What other types of trees are present in the forest?
The Landes forest is far from being a monoculture. The light cover of pine trees allows many other species species to thrive. According to National Forest Inventory (IGN)the proportion of stands where hardwoods has risen sharply, from 12 % in the 80s to 33 % over the period 2013-2017 for the Landes and Gironde departments.
The Pedunculate Oak is the most common hardwood, accompanied by the Tauzin Oak and the Chestnutadapted to Landes soils. From pioneer species such as Marsault Willow provide early food for pollinators. This diversification strengthens the resilience of the massif, enriches the soil and promotes biodiversity biodiversity.
| Main species | Average height | Notable features | Role in the Landes ecosystem |
| Maritime pine | 20-30 meters | Long needles (10-20 cm) in pairs, cracked bark, rapid growth. | Wood production, dune stabilization, habitat for specialized fauna. |
| Pedunculate Oak | 25-35 meters | Deciduous lobed leaves, acorns on a long stalk, dense wood. | Soil improvement (humus), increased biodiversity, massif diversification. |
| Tauzin Oak | 10-25 meters | Common on the moors, excellent firewood. | Conservation of fresh soil, diversification of the bed. |
| Chestnut | 20-30 meters | Suitable for acid soils, rot-proof wood used for posts or parquet flooring. | Massif diversification and economic development. |
| Marsault willow | 6-15 meters | Pioneer species, very early flowering (March), downy leaves. | Source of food for pollinators in early spring. |
The Landes forest is a veritable open-air history book, shaped by man and constantly evolving. From maritime pine to oak, each tree has its own role to play. During your stay at our La Jaougotte campsite, explore the forest trails – you may even hear a deer bellow – and discover the secrets of the Landes trees.