Dynamiques internes et externes des forêts de résineux de RTM : le passage à la hêtraie, quelle valorisation du bois de Hêtre?//Internal and external dynamics of coniferous forests : the shift to beech trees and the issue of beech wood uses

Abstract

Since the mid-niniteenth century, French medium mountains have been reafforrested with conifers to fight erosion and torrentiality. This issue is now arising of what to do with such forests and of what is likely to happen if they are left to themselves ; will trees regenerate or will broadleaved trees settle in, and if so, which species ? The abandonmet of agricultural land is allowing a spontaneous reconquest, also raising the issue of the nature of the new vegetal cover. Internai and external dynamics often lead to the deve-lopment of beech forests, which produce a wood little appreciated because of its poor durability, red center and absorbent characteristics. What uses are nonetheless possible and how to make that wood compete with softwood ?