Forestry
The forest grows on its own. But, without intervention from man, it cannot produce sufficient quantity and quality of wood to satisfy the needs of society and also continue to develop.
Since 2009, Tonnellerie Saury has been part of Charlois, whose family business took root in the middle of the 17th century in the Bertranges forests, with Jacques Charlois, a stavemaker. For 14 generations the has company contributed to the preservation of this gem which contains the finest oaks in France, specializing in the selection of oaks, and the crafting and natural seasoning of staves with respect for good forestry practices.
The forest grows on its own. But, without intervention from man, it cannot produce sufficient quantity and quality of wood to satisfy the needs of society and also continue to develop.
Forestry encompasses all the sciences, arts, and activities in relation to the conservation, development, management and creation of forests. Under the supervision of the forest owner and/or forestry expert, it covers the different silvicultural operations with respect for a management plan drawn up according to the species requiring development and the type of renewal. This management plan is what ensures the sustainability of the forest, its proper development, and respect for biodiversity.
Forestry is subject to a complex regulatory framework (rural, forestry, environmental, planning, etc) and bound by a code of deontology to which Charlois has adhered for many years. It includes the protection of biodiversity, the preservation of the soils and the quality of water and wetlands, protection against risks of pollution, the safeguarding of trees not marked for felling, care for natural seedlings and young plants, prevention of fire risks, and respect for all users of the forest and the cultural heritage.
The oak for French stavewood is of a precious and rare quality requiring good forest management over many centuries.
That is why, in forestry, every decision must anticipate the needs of tomorrow and the impact of climate change to ensure proper development and regeneration of the forest.
To achieve this, the French National Forestry Office (ONF) and forest owners follow long-term management plans that cover several decades.
OAK PURCHASING
Oaks destined for stavewood attain maturity after more than 150 years, and are sold with respect for several key stages:
01 - Marking
01 - Marking
02 - Estimation
02 - Estimation
03 - Sale By Bid
03 - Sale By Bid
04 - Logging
04 - Logging
01
MARKING
In the forest, the oaks to be felled are marked by the ONF or the forestry expert, according to the specific management plan relating to that forest.
02
ESTIMATION
The Charlois Group buyers appraise each marked tree for its stumpage value, one by one.
03
SALE BY BID
A sale can be concluded directly with the seller, or by bidding from all potential buyers. At a bidding sale by each stand of trees (a group of marked trees on the same plot) is presented as a lot for which the buyers declare their price. The wood is sold to the highest bidder.
04
LOGGING
Standing timber bought by the Charlois Group is felled within 12 months of the sale (in accordance with the sustainable management plan), following forestry best practice and in compliance with the regulations applicable to each plot. It is then transported to the Group’s stavemills.