If we were having coffee, I’d talk to you about the beautiful plane trees that line the Canal du Midi. They have had to be felled over the last few years due to an incurable disease – more of that later!
The Canal du Midi, a UNESCO World Heritage site, was one of the main reasons we chose this area to buy our house. We had enjoyed several marvellous family holidays by the Canal, and eventually narrowed our search to the area around Castelnaudary.
Some history: In 1694, the first trees were planted alongside the Canal du Midi, mainly willow, to stabilise the canal banks. It was after 1775 that the first plane trees appeared, and in the 19th century, a large-scale planting initiative increased their numbers. These beautiful trees form a leafy canopy along the banks, and for over a century, they have been symbolic of the Canal du Midi.
Sadly, since 2006, these trees have been attacked by canker stain. This is a microscopic fungus that infects a healthy tree. It blocks the sap channels and kills the tree in two to five years. The Canal is an ideal environment for the rapid development of the canker stain as boats can transport the spores.
The disease can also spread from the roots of nearby trees, making the rows of plane trees beside the Canal particularly vulnerable. There is no cure, and the trees have to be felled and burnt. Fortunately, thanks to the Voies navigables de France (VNF) a large-scale initiative to replant trees has been in place since 2011,
Some statistics:
- 32,000 plane trees along the Canal du Midi cut down and incinerated since 2006
- 19,230 trees (seven different types) replanted since 2011
- 1,800 nesting boxes installed since 2006
- 72 km of riverbanks restored since 2011
Below is a video in French – with English subtitles – made by the VNF. It provides a brief history of the Canal du Midi, discusses the canker stain, and encourages viewers to donate to the replanting programme.
It was a shock, at first, to see the mighty plane trees disappearing, but there was no other option. The first replacement trees to be planted have grown well, and I can see that they will, over the years, do their ‘job’ in protecting and enhancing the Canal.
This post is linked to Weekend Coffee Share, hosted by Natalie the Explorer.
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Hi June. I u understand why the trees had to go…but how sad!. Bit of a shock for the birds used to nesting there. What absolutely gorgeous pics xxx
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hi Joey. It was sad to see the destruction of the trees, but necessary. I think significant efforts have been made to protect the wildlife, with the addition of nesting boxes etc. I hope they work. I’m glad you like the photos.xx
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Oh no that’s so sad to hear. We have walked along that canal many times when staying in Moissac. And such a lovely walk too.
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It is, Penny or I’m assuming it’s Penny because I remember you writing about your trips to Moissac! I sometimes think we take trees for granted, and forget that they are living things, therefore subject to death and disease.
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So sad about the trees needing to be cut down but hopefully the new ones will grow bigger soon.
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It is sad, Marion. However, the new trees are growing well, Thanks for your comment.
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Thank you for this post…very helpful.
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Thank you for your comment, Helen. It’s encouraging to know that a post has been useful!
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What a shame! I remember the Dutch Elm disease and so many beautiful elms had to be cut down and destroyed. I’ve always wanted to take a cruise along the canal midi. IT is on my bucket list!
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It is a shame and sometimes I forget that trees are subject to disease and death. I’ve walked and cycled beside the Canal but have yet to take a cruise!
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I have noticed that a lot of trees have been felled herecto make way for building new hoisrs#pocolo
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Yes, I’ve noticed that too. It seems worse somehow, when healthy trees are destroyed. #pocolo
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Saying goodbye to these cherished, classic trees makes one feel uprooted in so many ways. Please to learn they are being replaced, and future generations will make memories under them.
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So well put, Mary! Thanks for your thoughtful comment.
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That is such a shame to hear and to see. I do hope the new trees grow quickly. Thanks for joining in with #pocolo
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Thankfully, the trees are growing quickly. Always enjoy linking with #pocolo
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Sad to read the old trees must be cut down and hopeful to see the new trees thriving. I’d love to walk or bike along the Canal du Midi. Thank you for your weekend coffee share.
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Yes, it is sad to see the old trees being cut down, but equally encouraging to see the new ones growing. I think you would enjoy walking or cycling alongside the Canal du Midi. I know I do! Thanks for your comment and for organising the weekend coffee share link.
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