Plant Dynamics

Plant Dynamics

The natural state of the vegetation of the Massif Central is forest. This has been modified by man in several regions. It has been completely cleared on the vast plateaux of Cézalier and Aubrac. These areas are now dedicated to pastures. It is pastoral pressure that maintains the state of the vegetation. After the abandonment by the farmers the colonisation of plants has returned the pastures to moor land with fern on the ridges. Gradually trees take over, hazel, silver birch and pine at first, and then under this cover the beech/fir forest can become established.

Several plant groups maintain their natural position in the environment without intervention. These are the plants of the marshes and peat bogs, springs and rivers, moors and fields of the sub Alpine level.

Finally, man can intensively modify the natural evolution by deforestation or non native planting such as pine and Norway spruce. This demonstrates the complex dynamics of the vegetation. This knowledge is as important as that of the plants themselves.

Walking in the Cantal for information on walking and walks in France and the Cantal, accommodation, food and wine.
Walking in France for information on France and GR footpaths.
Auvergne active Self guided walking holidays in the Cantal
Hôtel des Chazes - 2Star and Les Sources - Table & Chambre d'Hôte, St Jacques des Blats. Both excellent bases from which to explore the Cantal.
Monts d'Auvergne-Auvergne Hills for a description and pictures of the area, with suggested walks.
Éditions Chamina for walking guides in the Massif Central.

Classic Geology in Auvergne by Peter Cattermole ISBN 1-903544-05-x available from Blackwells