Paysarbre cultivates chlorophyll passion in the heart of Hérault

On the right, Sébastien Galtier, owner of Mas des Colibris in Gignac, is a member of the association. JM – JM

A Gauche, Tangy Gourmelon distille des conseils de plantation. JM – JM

Des dizaines d’arbres ont été adoptés à l’Orphelin’arbre de l'association, à Lodève.

"The tree is the heart of the world." Communicative, the chlorophyll passion is rooted in the words of Tangi Gourmelon, technical advisor to the Paysabre association. In his words, the tree becomes a link between the solar star and man, a simple mortal, "heterotrophic". On the other hand, the honorable plant uses daylight, "manufactures sugar by creating a complex carbon chain, which is the basis of life on earth… This is obviously a lever for storing carbon, it is their main food. They contribute to the water cycle and the climate., they are the founders of agricultural soil, but I have the impression of pushing open doors, s’ amuses the fifty-year-old.

Tree activists

At the start of the year, the enthusiast gives his planting and maintenance advice to members of the association who have come to “adopt” some fruit trees at the Orphelin’tree* planted for the occasion at the former Lodève moulinages factory. While Saint Catherine's Day has passed, there is still time to plant trees. We learn under the advice provided by Tangi or Gaël, to plant correctly, even to prune vigorously when planting or to prune the peach tree every year, not only to make pretty bouquets, but also, above all, to prevent production is reduced to a trickle. For 11 years, Paysarbre has tirelessly plowed the same furrow: training, support for planting projects, awareness.

Triptych of actions

And if planting orchards or rural hedges "to boost local diversity, bring back traffic for wildlife" goes hand in hand with a certain idea of ​​agroforestry (read below), “it is also necessary for communities to grasp the idea that when we plant in the city we can make groves with country trees. So no more palm trees in the Côte d’Azur version and a return to favor of more suitable local species. "We work a lot on the idea of ​​’”indigenat”. Plant plants from the territory to have the best resilience, ecotypes adapted to their ecosystem. There is a climatic memory, a memory of the soil…"
Paysarbre's message also goes through awareness raising among the general public, schools, high school students… It’s about telling them "“why the tree”. What the tree is in the system of life." Explain why it is so essential. Tell how he founded all life on earth. How life came out of water…"

Heterotroph: refers to living organisms that feed on pre-existing organic matter. Conversely, autotrophic organisms synthesize the organic matter that constitutes them from minerals.
L’Orphelin’arbre functions thanks to a partnership between Paysarbre and a nurseryman supported by a patron « who wants him to dedicate trees to cool projects. We manage the distribution of these trees and monitoring. We put fruit back on the territory, it is also part of our foundations, explains Tangi Gourmelon. contact@paysarbre.org

At Mas des Colibris, Sébastien Galtier continues to plant trees.

« Putting trees back into agricultural systems is important,” says Tangi and Gourmelon. A profession of faith that Sébastien Galtier has made his own. At the start of 2024, the winegrower, a member of the Paysarbre association for 5 years, has also adopted several plants from the Orphelin’arbre of the Paysarbre association. And the former rugby player has already planted numerous species at Mas des Colibris, his wine estate which produces organically and biodynamically and extends over some 12 hectares in Gignac. « The idea of ​​reinstalling trees speaks to me a lot. In particular, put back fruit trees everywhere, in hedges, around houses… producing my own fruit has always fascinated me, the former rugby player appreciates. Other benefits include creating hedges with shrubs and trees « local and rustic » favors « biodiversity in the vines and protects the plots from the prevailing winds, particularly the north wind which tends to dry out the land. » Las but not least, « When the trees are bigger, these plantations will act as natural air conditioners. « This moderates high temperature peaks and frost a little. » in Gignac, Sébastien Galtier has already planted 240 trees and « and we will continue! » promises the winegrower. The support of the Paysarbre association should continue to push this agroforestry approach forward.

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