Paimpont forest, like any other piece of woodland large or small, needs proper husbandry to remain healthy itself and to be able to support it's population of deer, wild-boar and game birds... and mature trees are also a valuable crop in their own right.
Deciduous trees need to be felled during their dormant season and the best time is just before the sap begins to rise again to wake the tree from its winter slumber. In practice, in this region of France, that translates to no later than the end of February. These oak trees were felled a few weeks ago and the logs have been trimmed and placed by the side of the forest service road awaiting transport. The branches will be sawn into 50cm lengths and sold as firewood so nothing is wasted.
Mrs S says 'Best (viewed) on black' - who am I to argue!
