Nights of the Forests Come to Brassac, in the Tarn

On June 13th, the association Envol Vert and the Citizen Forest Group (GFC) Les Hauts Bois organized a day of education and public awareness. It took place as part of the national Nights of the Forests event.

This initiative aims to recreate a connection with forest ecosystems through local events throughout France during the month of June. This year’s theme was “Listening to the Living.”

The event took place in the hamlet of Verdier, in the municipality of Brassac, in a forest clearing, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Three activities were scheduled for the evening: a birdwatching walk in the forest, a circus performance suspended in the trees, and an acoustic concert by the Duo Keryda.

After a brief presentation of the Envol Vert association and the GFC Les Hauts Bois, around thirty participants present were able to explore the hamlet with a naturalist. Through a birdwatching walk, they were able to familiarize themselves with the biodiversity of the location.

A break allowed participants to enjoy refreshments and exchange with members of the Citizen Forest Group and the Envol Vert association. They discussed projects undertaken and issues related to the forests of the territory.

The evening continued with a circus performance at the foot of an old beech tree, with live music played on cello. Clubs, fabric, hoops, and a trapeze suspended from the branches of the tree followed one another. Highlighting the forest present and its trees, this artistic interlude was appreciated.

Finally, participants were able to attend an acoustic concert in a forest clearing with the Duo Keryda. The musical group is composed of Sara Evans on Celtic harp and Damien Papin on double bass. They play with plants themselves, thanks to sensors placed on plant leaves. Positioned on a leaf and near the roots, these objects measure a small electrical variation between the two. This signal is then converted into sound by a device.

The concert was also accompanied by explanations describing the phenomenon. Different plants were used to produce different sounds. The trees present in the forest were also used to create music.

Finally, the evening concluded with an exchange between all speakers and between participants and organizers. An event that enabled children and adults alike to remain attuned to forest ecosystems and the biodiversity that comprises them.