France relies on the same highly efficient composting worms used worldwide, and they’re all well‑adapted to the French climate and to both indoor and outdoor vermicomposting.

1. Eisenia fetida

Often called the red wiggler or ver rouge du fumier.

The most popular species for vermicomposting
Extremely fast at eating and reproducing
Very tolerant of temperature fluctuations
Ideal for kitchen‑scrap composting

2. Eisenia andrei

A close cousin of E. fetida, sometimes sold mixed together.
Slightly darker in colour
Performs equally well in French vermicomposters
Very common in French worm farms (e.g., Lyon, Moutta)

3. Eisenia hortensis Dendrobaena veneta)

Known as the European nightcrawler or ver dendrobaena.

Larger worm, slower to reproduce
Eats more fibrous material
Good for outdoor composters or mixed systems
Often used by anglers, so widely available in France

Which one should you choose?

Most French vermicomposters (Ceercle, Moutta, Plus2Vers donors) supply E. fetida / E. andrei mixes, which is perfect for starting a bin.

These mixed populations naturally stabilise and adapt to your local conditions.

More information ? click the link...

Click here to find a web site all about worms

Replanting a forest.......

REPLANTING

Initial phase (2022–2023):
- After the tornado and violent storms of June 2022, foresters spent months clearing fallen timber, removing stumps, and grinding debris.
- By summer 2023, replanting began in earnest, with thousands of maritime pine seedlings planted using specialized tools like planting canes.

In 2022 a violent tornado hit the Fôret de la Double damaging about 20,00O hectares of forest with 8,000 hectares of resinous trees (mostly pine) suffering the worst losses. Many stands were not only blown down but later weakened by disease, making replanting urgent!

Here is a quick look at what happened after that.......

HOW DID THEY START ?

Priority was given to the original resinous plots, since they were most devastated.
Some landowners are replanting mixed stands with hardwoods (feuillus) to reduce vulnerability to future storms and pests.
Forestry cooperatives are supporting owners financially and technically, aiming to rebuild productive forests while improving resilience.

RECOVERY OUTLOOK

Short term (2023–2025):
- Replanted pines are establishing, though growth is slow in drought‑prone summers.
- Soil stabilization and weed control are critical to ensure survival of seedlings.
Long term (10–20 years):
- Forests will gradually regain canopy cover, but timber production from pine will take decades to recover.
- Increased emphasis on species diversity may make Dordogne’s forests more resistant to extreme weather events.

Author's own photographs taken after the devastation to the forest surrounding their home JS

Diversity in Planting - the good news

These species are being added to diversify the forest structure and reduce vulnerability to storms, pests, and fire.

Hardwoods known as feuillus in France include:

Oak (chêne): Valued for its strength and long-term timber potential.
Chestnut (châtaignier): Traditional in Dordogne, offering both wood and ecological benefits.
Birch (bouleau): Fast-growing, helps stabilize soils and create mixed stands.

The replanting program aims to rebuild production forests while restoring ecological balance. Owners are encouraged by forestry cooperatives (like Alliance Forêts Bois) to adopt mixed planting schemes. Over the next 10–20 years, the Double should regain canopy cover with a more varied and climate-resilient forest.

HOW TO SPOT THEM They have plastic collars to stop the deer eating the bark!

A great article to read

Members of the OPEN GARDENS group share invaluable knowledge and their experiences from the last two summers of change. Extremely interesting ideas to think about. Click the link below.

https://www.opengardens.eu/gardening-through-change-lessons-from-gardens-across-france/