French forests face severe climate challenges, but Canopée association uses green woodpeckers for natural regeneration in a novel approach to restore oak forests.
French forests face severe damage
After a summer marked by heatwaves, fires, and droughts, French forests are experiencing significant damage. The Office national des forêts (ONF) reported that 98,000 hectares of forests have burned since the beginning of 2026, the worst figure since 1976.Operation Green Woodpecker launched
In response to the crisis, the Canopée association initiated the first edition of Operation Green Woodpecker. This initiative aims to use green woodpeckers to aid in the natural regeneration of forests, addressing the climate emergency through ecological methods.Public acorn collection organized
On October 10 and 11, 2026, the largest public acorn collection in France took place in a dozen departments. The collected acorns were to be sent to foresters who would place them on acorn tables for green woodpeckers to use, contributing to the natural regeneration of oak forests.Green woodpeckers' role in regeneration
During autumn, green woodpeckers hide acorns, about 5,000 per season, for winter. They carry up to six acorns at a time, selecting only those in good condition. These acorns are dispersed within a five-kilometer radius of their nests or feeding areas.Diversified forests in Moustey
In Moustey, within the Landes region, diversified forests stand out from pine monocultures. These areas have more deciduous trees than conifers, and a healthy river flows through them. Sylvain Angerand highlighted the importance of preserving such environments amid climate disruption.Pedunculate oak as the chosen species
Canopée chose the pedunculate oak, the most common tree in France, for its adaptability. Eric Castex, a forester, noted that local oaks hybridize with local pollens and produce fertile acorns. Natural regeneration allows oaks to retain their taproots, which help them survive droughts.Economic benefits of natural regeneration
The method of assisted natural regeneration using green woodpeckers is economically advantageous. In Lozère, the process costs 350 euros per hectare, significantly less than the 10,000 euros required for artificial plantations.Scientific monitoring partnership
Canopée has partnered with researchers from the Ecosystèmes et Sociétés En Montagne (LESSEM) laboratory in Grenoble to monitor the operation. This collaboration aims to ensure forest management practices do not further harm the environment, promoting more resilient forests.Future goals for Operation Green Woodpecker
Canopée aims to restore the green woodpecker's status, which has been labeled a nuisance species. The operation will be repeated annually, with goals to collect 8 tons of acorns and regenerate between 600 and 1,600 hectares of forests over three years.
