The Maurienne forest : an outstanding ecological corridor
© R. Sandraz
Covering a quarter of the entire area, the Maurienne forest boasts a remarkable diversity of biotopes. A good reason why the European Union has decided to protect its distinguishing characteristics, which the hiker can discover at leisure.
Just like the valley where it is situated, the make-up of the Maurienne forest – or forests – is directly related to the two separate climate zones generated by the Belledonne mountain “ barrier ”. On the one hand, the Atlantic influence of the Outer Alps on the mid and lower Maurienne provides plentiful rain to water “ the mixed forests of hardwood, fir, spruce and beech trees ”, according to national forest engineer Didier Cornevin. On the other, the dry climate of the inner Alps, starting at Modane, is favourable to conifers (Scotch pine, fir, larch). It is here that the Savoie’s most extensive plantations of cembra pine and mountain pine on gypsum and limestone soil are to be found. Accessible from the Marie-Christine redoubt by means of the famous “ Devil’s Bridge ” (Pont du Diable), this rare forest habitat, under European protection, is also home to the Winter Heath, a protected species, and to Mediterranean trees. The wealth of the Maurienne Forest is also symbolised by the Lady’s Slipper Orchid, protected on a European scale. Along with the Lapland Marsh-Orchid, discovered for the first time in France in Termignon, it is just a snapshot away.
Further down, several shaded pathways meander through the spruce and beechwood forests, equally protected by the Natura 2000 directive. They include the Taraveray trail, pleasant to walk in summertime. Starting from the Arves pass, it runs eastwards in the direction of Mont Charvin, down a forest path for about 200 m, before branching off towards the state-owned Taraveray forest, on a path criss-crossed by larch roots and strewn with their slender needles. Following a slight slope, it reaches the Forêt de l'Oeillette, noted for its gorgeous little lake. Two successive effortless ascents, of a total altitude of 200 metres, then lead to the Corbier resort.
You may run into some forest dwellers on one of the well signposted trails: forest owls, boars and roes, stags, chamois and ibexes (« their stronghold is the Encombres range and the Villard valley » remarks forest technician Jean-Pierre Henry) mingle here with rare wild fowl - the black grouse and the rock partridge - and with hares and wild rabbits.
A protective role…
A quarter of the surface area of the Maurienne forest is in private hands, the remaining three quarters is municipally or state-owned. Reforestation and “ regrassing ” campaigns have been conducted on several occasions, adapted to the steep lie of the land in the valley. « After the landslide of Pontamafrey, in 1965, for example, to stabilise the topsoil and the subsoil. » remarks Christian Vauthier, who works with the French organisation for mountain restoration (R.T.M.).
…and a natural barrier
A refuge for flora and fauna, the Maurienne forest is also in places a barrier against earth movements and avalanches. However, the drunken forests of Montaimont and Villerambert – the most beautiful in the valley – are a reminder that trees are not always victorious in their struggle against rock. As for the “ gunned forests ”, in the Upper Maurienne, where members of the French resistance took refuge, they saved many a life during German attacks in 1944. Prepare your hike: www.savoie-maurienne.com/sites/s rando et www.maurienne-tourisme.com
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Topic : Landscapes and nature
Published on : 2008/09/05
Tags : the maurienne forest an outstanding ecological corridor
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