• To master the measurement of the basal area in different contexts (species, structures).
• To combine tools and observations: cover coefficient, forest structures, species characteristics, stand history, etc.
• To know how to interpret the trajectory of the stand based on the management actions taken as well as the duration of a possible transition phase

Different stands are selected to represent the main forest contexts present in Wallonia. Participants are taken to different plots with varied forest structures. Despite having similar basal areas, the silvicultural trajectories of stands and stages of transition can differ significantly.

• To get to grips with the range of options to make informed choices regarding the choice of species mix and/or diagnosis of a mixed forest regeneration.
• To use support tools to review the decision on mixture options
• To choose the mixture according to biological, autecological, synecological and station knowledge
• To determine the monitoring needs in order to retain this mixture (work rotation, type of intervention, etc.)

Participants will be invited to different stations involving different mixtures of species. The day will be organised around plots ready for planting
and young existing mixtures. In one case, participants will need to identify the desired mixture according to the station and climatic realities, define the procedures for its implementation and finally plan the monitoring of these plots. In a second case, they will need to define whether the stand is in stable or unstable equilibrium, and prioritise the actions to be taken to guide the mixture.

• To observe, with a view to understanding, the natural dynamics of young stands using basic theoretical knowledge of the autecology and synecology of the main hardwood species.
• To identify the development phases of young trees and key points at which to intervene.
• To understand the tools, techniques and costs of carrying out the main types of targeted forestry work (breaking, girdling, thinning, etc.).

The training course is provided using the innovative “travailloscope” tool, a European first created by Forêt.Nature (in collaboration with AgroParisTech). The training tool enables simulated choices to be made, analysed and compared on an objective basis allowing for team debate.

• A team diagnostic exercise is carried out in deciduous to mixed high-forest stands, on a route with 3 to 4 stopping points.
• Analysis of the results of each team according to ecological, forestry, landscape and economical aspects. The analysis is carried out using software and is followed by a return to the field (stopping points and discussion points) to supplement the theoretical results with in situ observation.
• Presentation of the tools designed for this type of work.

• To understand the usefulness of the activities.
• To put into practice the principles of formative and regular pruning.
• To gain knowledge on the ideal times for formative and regular pruning depending on the species.
• To know how to determine the number of plants to prune.

• Presentation of the rules of formative and regular pruning.
• Practical application on stands of various ages.
• Use of various tools.

• To know how to compare and choose from among the various offers received from different nursery owners.
• To know how to analyse GRNs and supplier documents delivered by nursery owners.
• To understand the correct and full procedure for the receipt of plants in due form.
• To know how to carry out the statistical test to assess the quality of the plants on offer.
• To know how to draw conclusions on the acceptance or rejection of plants based on objective criteria.

The morning is spent indoors understanding the details of plant ordering, the afternoon in the storage building, with a presentation on the necessary forms to be completed and the handling of various species of plant.

• To know how to conduct a soil analysis and use the appropriate tools independently.
• To know how to interpret soil analysis in terms of constraints for forest species.
• To deepen participant knowledge of the biology of the main forest species.

Different sites are selected to represent the main soil environments present in Wallonia. Participants are taken to different stations that represent the same environment. The main soil characteristics are assessed and interpreted to fully understand their impacts on species.

• To recognise the main indicator plants of the municipalities visited.
• To be able to interpret a floristic list to identify the main characteristics of the station (richness, water supply).

A choice of several routes that correspond to the different contexts encountered by officers: Ardenne (Mirwart), Famenne-Calestienne (Rochefort), Condroz (Namur), etc. Different locations are selected to represent the main stations. Participants make a floristic list, the characteristics of which are linked to the mineral wealth and water supply of the station.

• To be able to use all fichierecologique.be tools to their full potential.
• To carry out soil surveys in sometimes complex situations and to be able to interpret the results.
• To master the main ecological constraints for species.
• To be able to interpret results that sometimes differ between tools

• Review of the use of different tools (website, soil survey, floristic list).
• Practical exercises, preferably within the triage(s).
• Confrontation of results of different approaches.

• To know how to use the forest station identification guide.
• To know how to interpret management recommendations.
• To explore the main ecological constraints for species, depending on station conditions and in the context of climate change.

• Identification of several stations in the relevant bioclimatic zone. Field diagnosis is based on the analysis of the topography, soil and vegetation.
• Evaluation of the potential of these different stations.

• To know the requirements of birch
• To be able to select future birches at the right time
• To know the limits of formative and regular pruning of birch
• To recognise the main defects in logs
• To carry out silviculture aimed at the production of quality wood in different situations

• Visit involving a training tool for thinning
• Study of exemplary stands
• Exercises involving selection and thinning within stands

• Observation, understanding and use of basic theoretical knowledge to analyse different aspects of natural oak regeneration.
• Following diagnosis, choice of interventions to be carried out and specialised strategies to be followed.

Visit to a variety of naturally regenerating plots achieved in central or more diffuse areas, under cover or in the open. Case analysis, history of actions leading to success or failure, theoretical reviews, practical exercises, solutions for catching up, etc.

Three routes are offered:
• Famenne (Rochefort)
• Fagne (Thuin)

• To assess the level of standing natural capital and determine the harvesting to be carried out.
• To apply the rules for marking in irregular high-forest stands.
• To understand the roles of each tree within a stand.

• Carrying out a team marking exercise in irregular deciduous or coniferous high-forest stands, within a one-hectare zone.
• Analysis of the results of each team according to ecological, forestry, landscape and economical aspects. The analysis is carried out using software and is followed by a real-life activity in the field.

• To improve understanding of the concept of “dead wood”.
• To understand the roles of dead wood within a functional forest ecosystem.
• To know and understand the minimum threshold data required for dead wood.
• To establish silviculture strategies to suit the various geographic considerations.
• To identify key actions to rapidly increase the presence of dead wood in the forest.

• Exercise in recognising and identifying stages of decomposition.
• Exercise in recognising and identifying dendromicrohabitats.
• Diagnosis of the condition of a stand.
• Identification of the most appropriate silviculture strategies.
• Study of exemplary stands.

• To recognise macrolichens and bryophytes of interest
  d’intérêt
• To use the EPIFOR tool
• To interpret the impact of forestry actions on the naturalness of forests
  sur la naturalité des forêts

• Presentation of the different criteria for identification
• Identification exercises in the forest
• Description of the EPIFOR tool
• Interpretation of results

• To know how to recognise the main defects in standing hardwoods.
• To understand the impact of defects on wood processing.
• To understand the main outlets for different qualities.
• To recognise the defects and peculiarities specific to species.
• To understand the qualitative classification of standing timber (A, B, C, D).

• Presentation of the main defects in standing and felled timber.
• Assessment of the quality of standing timber (qualitative classification).
• Visualisation of defects on sawn logs.
• Technical visit to the Parc à Grumes de Wallonie (log yard).

• To review the main defects in wood and their impact on processing.
• To identify quality logs and to recognise the unique peculiarities of species.

• Guided tour of the Parc à Grumes de Wallonie.
• Exercises in recognising species defects and peculiarities.

Taking the form of exchange and discussion, this day will be an opportunity to address issues specific to nature conservation such as the conservation and restoration of habitats of community interest in a context of climate change or even looking at the conservation of trees of biological interest, dead wood or clearings as part of forest management.

• To recognise the ecology of the target species.
• To understand biotic risks.
• To understand and to use stand typology.
• To adapt and apply management markers to each type of mixture.
• To apply management markers according to the stage of development of the stand.

• Presentation of the ecology of species.
• Exercises using the typological key to stands.
• Visit to stands at different stages of development.
• The arrangement of and discussions on management markers.

• To recognise the different methods of development and maintenance of structured and mixed forest edges.
• To recognise the benefits of a structured and mixed forest edge.
• To design the technical implementation: planning, choice of sites to be developed, choice of establishment and maintenance methods.
• To practice tree marking to maintain a structured and diverse forest edge.

• Performance of an exercise in marking a forest edge using a lisieroscope
• Analysis of the results according to ecological, forestry, landscape and economical aspects. The analysis is carried out using software and is followed by a real-life activity in the field.
• Discussion on techniques, possible obstacles, etc.

• To understand how to use fichierecologique.be to its full potential.
• To read and interpret the soil map of Wallonia.
• To understand the concepts of autecology of species.
• To recognise the main characteristics of the species.

• Presentation of the fichierecologique.be tool
• Presentation of the soil map of Wallonia
and its legend.
• Exercises carried out on the main types of soil.
de sol.

• To know how to recognise the main defects in standing timber.
To understand the impact of defects on wood processing and the main outlets for different qualities.
• To recognise the defects and peculiarities specific to certain species (oak, beech and maple).
• To understand the qualitative classification of standing timber (A, B, C, D)

• Presentation of the main defects in standing and felled timber.
• Assessment of the quality of standing timber (qualitative classification).
• Visualisation of defects on sawn logs.

• To understand the point of CCF/Pro Silva.
• To understand the scope of the circular.
• To understand the forestry measures that are described in the circular.
• To learn about the project on the network of pilot compartments.

The morning is devoted to a presentation in the classroom, followed by a question and answer session. The afternoon will be spent in the field, with visits to several forest plots to illustrate the theoretical concepts

• To know how to recognise the main defects in standing softwoods.
• To understand the impact of defects on wood processing.
• To understand the main outlets for different qualities.
• Reconnaître les défauts et singularités propres à certaines essences.
• To understand the qualitative classification of standing timber (A, B, C, D).

• Presentation of the main defects in standing and felled timber.
• Assessment of the quality of standing timber (qualitative classification).
• Visualisation of defects on sawn logs.

• To learn how to apply irregular forest treatment in different stand contexts.
• ETo learn about the valuation and qualification of trees for marking in irregular forest treatment.
• To understand the correlation of the triptych: exploitability, immediate environment and market reality.
• To use a relascope.
• To review the reasons for retaining or harvesting trees.
• To understand the concepts of basal area and light.
• To be able to identify future poles and small diameter woods.

• Morning session: theoretical aspects (3 hours/field) covered using practical exercises. Review of the different considerations involved when carrying out tree marking. Exercises inspired by the “cellular approach” of Pro Silva France, tree marking simulation in a finite space to facilitate decision-making and encourage discussion. A “toolbox” will be available to officers to classify their harvesting selections, train the eye and adopt the right reflexes.
• Afternoon session: practical application of tree marking in a real-life setting whereby officers will be invited to put into practice the concepts covered in the morning session and to discuss their selection for marking in the real world. Training on the mastery of harvesting is offered at different levels.