The Forêt Vivante sawmill, based in Anizy-le-Grand in the Aisne department (France), was founded three years ago by three partners from the forestry sector in Picardy. Its aim is to establish a structured commercial outlet for timber from mixed continuous cover forestry (CCF), in response to the near-total absence of such a supply chain for local broadleaves. The 4-hectare site represents an investment of €6 million and employs six people.
Supply is governed by the Forêt Vivante Charter, which every supplier signs. It requires that at least 50% of volumes come from stands managed under CCF or uneven-aged high forest systems, prohibits clear-cutting except for sanitary felling or gaps smaller than 0.5 ha, and sets an average supply radius of under 50 km. Suppliers are mainly private owners, supplemented by the ONF (Office National des Forêts – France’s National Forestry Office) on forests managed under selection felling.
The band saw is sized for the large-diameter timber characteristic of CCF. An individualized log-sorting system (species, quality, geographic origin) ensures full digital traceability through to the end customer via QR code.
The main challenge is commercial: the market for local broadleaves for outdoor uses is almost non-existent in France. The Anizy-le-Grand experience offers a concrete example for managers seeking local, value-adding outlets for their mixed stands.