Conferences, workshops, walks… Succumb to the “song of the forests” in Creuse

“We sometimes forget it, but the forest is full of sounds. Those produced by the animals that live there. But also through wood,” recalls Thierry Thévenin. The herbalist has therefore chosen to focus his third Forest and Health meetings, which he is organizing in his commune of Mérinchal, on the “songs” of trees, birds and other insects, these Saturday 9 and Sunday 10 November.

“Approach the forest by ear”

An event which, as in previous years, takes place largely within the walls of the Hélios theater, at a place called Marlanges. And which is a victim of its success, several workshops are already full. But many offerings from the dense program remain accessible (don't forget to reserve your places).

The idea is above all to “approach the forest by the ear”, according to the lovely phrase of Thierry Thévenin. Thus, several researchers and recognized experts will give conferences referring to the incredible sound diversity relating to wooded areas.

And this, by evoking both the nuisances caused by human activities (doctoral student in anthropology Michaël Ricchetti will speak on the noise generated by chainsaws and fellers, Saturday, at 9:30 a.m.), as well as the return of the song of the wolf in Limousin (Jessica Hureaux, project manager of the Millevaches Regional Natural Park in Limousin, will talk about the presence of the canid in the region, Saturday, at 11 a.m.).

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Bird songs and making plant instruments

Without forgetting the symphonies performed by our feathered friends: Creuse ornithologist Jean-Michel Bienvenue will speak on Sunday, at 2:30 p.m., on the theme “The tree and the bird. » By explaining “how important singing is for these animals, to find their way, to perform their nuptial displays or even to mark their territory”, comments Thierry Thévenin.

Vocalizations which seem to particularly benefit forest plants, underlines the naturalist:

But, in a context where forest environments may be threatened by overexploitation, how can we give them a voice to better protect them? Augusta Goussoutou, doctoral student in law at the University of Limoges, will be able to provide some answers, as part of her communication on the legal protections that may apply to Limousin forests (Sunday, at 9:30 a.m.).

Open to the widest possible public, the Forest and Health meetings happily combine theory with practice. At the time of writing, places are still available to attend several workshops and walks. For example, on Sunday, from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m., Dominique Coll will introduce children to the making of plant instruments (whistles, rattles, mirlitons, etc.). And Basile Brémaud will teach you how to carve wooden doves, using a simple Opinel (Saturday at 2 p.m. and Sunday at 9 a.m.).

A concert performed by musicians and plants

However, it will not only be about sounds this weekend in Mérinchal. And you can also learn to recognize trees with Claude Chahinian (Saturday at 10 a.m.), learn more about forest lichens with Jean-Yves Boussereau (Saturday at 2 p.m.) or even help sow a forest, benefiting from advice from landscaper Emmanuelle Bouffé (Sunday, at 2 p.m.).

Nature and culture also come together in Marlanges, generating often surprising encounters. Like this botanical conference-concert offered on Sunday, at 11 a.m., by harpist Sara Evans and cellist Damien Papin, from the Keryva duo. Two musicians who make the plants “sing”.

“Plants emit electrical impulses. Devices transform them into sounds, using electrodes, explains Thierry Thévenin. Sara and Damien play with what the plant offers. They play a few notes, and at some point things change and the plants start doing the same thing as them. It's stunning. » He continues:

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