Discover the commitments behind the Canal
Find here the structural commitments of the Société du Canal Seine-Nord Europe and the project partners.
Discover the commitments behind the Canal
Find here the structural commitments of the Société du Canal Seine-Nord Europe and the project partners.
In Cléry-sur-Somme, on a plot of land which was planted with alders, oaks and smooth elms in 2021 as part of a compensatory measure prior to the construction of the future Somme Canal Bridge, a somewhat atypical uprooting operation was carried out from January 21 to 29.
Malo and Kuert, two draft horses, along with their equine handlers, were mobilized by the company SMDA (Soins Modernes Des Arbres - Modern Tree Care) to carry out mechanical removal of Buddleia davidii, an Invasive Alien Species (IAS), also known as the butterfly tree.
In order to free young tree saplings from the proliferation of root systems of this invasive species, the Seine-Nord Europe Canal Company has chosen to use Horse riding thus promotes ecological soil management of this wetland area and consequently reducing the environmental impact of this operation.
After being pulled up using the power of draft horses, this invasive alien species was then transported by the horse handlers to a designated storage area to prevent the seeds from spreading. The final removal off-site was also carried out using horses.
The use of draft horses as working partners is also part of a challenge of promoting valuable traditional know-how. Indeed, by using horses of endangered breeds (Ardennes Draft, Northern Draft, Auxois Draft, Breton Draft), the Seine-Nord Europe Canal Company actively contributes to the preservation of their genetic and cultural diversity.
Malo and Kuert, who were able to appreciate the natural riches offered by the Somme Valley to feed on rushes, are also capable of performing various tasks such as mowing, skidding, removing logjams, watering or collecting waste. A way of reminding us that whatever the natural environment, there is always an animal to help humans in their work.
Whereas in the 19thrd century, it is estimated that there were 3 million draft horses in France, with the rise of mechanization and the expansion of farms, There would only be 170,000 individuals left today. (source: Ministry of Agriculture and Food Sovereignty).
