Alpine meadow

No cows, no mowing... and yet the forest stops here. On these steep slopes, it is the elements themselves that shape the landscape.

The steep incline of the terrain causes snow slides every winter, sometimes accompanied by rockfalls in the spring. These disturbances naturally prevent young trees from establishing themselves permanently. Where the forest recedes, other plants take over: a more varied herbaceous flora colonises the open spaces left behind. It is also likely that this plot was mowed occasionally in the past, despite the difficulty of access and the hard work involved.

The soil varies greatly from one place to another. Sometimes deep and rich, it retains moisture and supports demanding plants. Elsewhere, it becomes dry, stony and poor in nutrients. Other, more undemanding species settle there without competition from the large dominant species.

These contrasts create a veritable mosaic of vegetation, alternating textures and colours. Alpine grasslands are home to a rich, sometimes rare flora, but also to specialised fauna: pollinating insects, small reptiles and birds come here to find refuge and food. These open environments thus play a key role in preserving biodiversity in the mountains.