Oloron-Sainte-Marie Students Restore Forest with 210 Trees After Storm Kirk

In Oloron-Sainte-Marie, France, students contributed to reforestation efforts by planting 210 trees on an 8,000 m² plot on April 3, 2025. This initiative aims to revitalize a forest area impacted by Storm Kirk in October 2024. The storm, which affected parts of Western Europe, including France, caused significant damage with strong winds and heavy rains. The students planted a variety of ecologically valuable tree species, including wild apple, wild pear, and medlar trees. These species were selected to attract biodiversity, particularly birds, which will aid in seed dispersal. Protective measures have been implemented for each tree to support healthy growth. This planting is part of a broader 20-year forest management plan focused on balancing wood harvesting, wildlife conservation, and public access. The plan includes protected areas and the careful selection of trees for harvesting to minimize environmental impact.