Mixed fir, spruce and beech forests

In the Jura, the montane zone is located at an altitude between 900 and 1700 metres. In this area, forests are mostly comprised of fir trees, spruces and beech trees. Beech, which is still sometimes regionally referred to as “fayard”, is well suited to the mountainous climate. This tree produces beechnuts, which are eaten by game. The hard wood of the beech tree used to be often used by “boisseliers”, wood turners. Today, it is excellent for use as firewood.
In the High-Jura, these mixed forests are usually managed according to a selection system. Unlike plantations, this method of management allows trees of different species and ages to grow on the same site, thereby ensuring increased biodiversity.