On Thursday, October 21, 2021, as the sun was setting on a cold autumn day, together with Aude and Boris Bression, we planted the first of 1,200 trees on the estate of Champagne Bression-Lourdeaux. Earlier in 2021, a hedge of 150 meters was planted, as part of the continuous effort to improve water retention, increase CO2 capture and reinstate a biodiverse environment. More recently, a larger plot of land is being transformed for the good of our environment.
The trees will be planted on a plot of land to recreate the biodiverse environment it once was. “There will be about ten different species, including hazelnut trees, as the first source of pollen for bees, and lime trees for honey and hornbeams.” There will also be a few fruit trees to feed the birds and help produce honey, noting that this endeavor will be built, grown, and maintained entirely through manual labor – aka by hand – through private sponsors and national subsidies.
These vintner initiatives are remarkable examples of a private initiative to transform a large plot of land for the good of our environment, from individual to a community focus. Soil management practices have a direct impact on whether carbon and nitrogen are absorbed, restoring, and sustainably managing soil health sequesters soil organic carbon, which is central to regenerative agriculture and biodiverse environments.
As clients of SimplyChampagne, this is also yours to celebrate as the very fruit of your support. We ringfence part of our sales revenue in our growers and this is how. Thank you for your continuous support and cheers!
Focus on oak trees? Here’s why…
Traditionally, oak trees live for over 200 years and up to 1000 years. They do not get easily ill, and their seeds survive well because they are encased in a hard shell. The leaves and acorns are covered in tannic acid which keeps them resilient and resistant to fungi and potentially harmful insects. There are hundreds of different species of oak, and they grow slowly with deep roots. An oak tree provides shade, and it does not break under extreme weather conditions.
Wildlife
These beautiful trees produce an abundant one million acorns in their lifetime that are a high-protein food source for a variety of wildlife. Moreover, the oak tree itself acts as a habitat, providing shelter for birds and tree-dwelling critters.
Environmental Improvements
Oaks, as well as other trees, can improve environmental conditions in a landscape. Trees cast shade to cool the ground, block or diminish wind that filters through their branches and foliage and can help stabilize soil with their root systems.
Additional revenue
Finally, in addition to the tree being a truly beautiful ornament, with some luck and much care, several trees might be happy to bear some black truffles!
Each one of us can do their part, making a difference to help contain climate change and sustain our soils. As Aristotle once said, we are what we repeatedly do. On an individual scale, daily choices can contribute to a healthy environment including greener commutes, using energy wisely, eating for a stable planet, shrinking your digital footprint, and making sustainable investments such as the initiatives SimplyChampagne have committed to in the Champagne regions in France.
