Châtegneraies of Montolivet and Chenaux

Until the end of the 19th century, the commune of Villeneuve had several chestnut forests, also known as selves, which played an important role in feeding the population. They were abandoned in the 20th century and colonised by the forest.

Chestnut trees do not like limestone. They are therefore relatively rare in the region, growing in pockets free of limestone created by the Rhône glacier, which carried alluvial deposits from the Alps.

The restoration of the Montolivet and Chenaux chestnut groves was carried out between 2011 and 2013, under the guidance of the Gruyère Pays-d'Enhaut Regional Nature Park, in collaboration with the Swiss Landscape Fund, the Vaud Cantonal Forest, Wildlife and Nature Service and the Villeneuve municipality. An association of chestnut grove owners has been set up to conserve and improve the general condition of the selves.

WORK CARRIED OUT

An area of 24,000 m2 was cleared, involving the cutting and removal of 940m3 of forest trees, while preserving the old chestnut trees. The soil was then seeded with grass, and the chestnut groves must be grazed or mown to prevent forest invasion. 142 young chestnut trees were planted and protected, and they began to produce fruit.

This restoration is revealing a forgotten part of Villeneuve's local heritage, and is helping to enhance the diversity of the landscape and conserve biodiversity. The local authority, which has been able to acquire plots of land through purchase or donation, hopes that the chestnut grove will become a meeting place.

Chestnut production requires work on the part of the forest owners; the fruit therefore belongs to them. Unless authorised, it is forbidden to pick chestnuts on private plots, shown in red on the map. On communal plots or plots managed by the commune - shown in yellow on the map - anyone can pick chestnuts.