The Bois des Éboulures, a 55-hectare wooded area, serves as a vital space for walks and fresh air in Franconville, ideal for nature observation and sports. Integrated within an urban perimeter, its preservation is paramount.
Following the 1999 storm that uprooted over 1,200 trees, the town has launched an extensive replanting program, adding nearly 2,500 trees. Initiatives like a micro-forest involving local schoolchildren and the planting of 50 trees near the BMX track during the last "Journée au Bois" aim to engage future generations.
Since 2017, the wood has been part of the LPO Refuges network (Ligue pour la Protection des Oiseaux), promoting biodiversity knowledge through regular inventories. Concrete actions include developing a green belt around the pond, creating meadows with differentiated lawn management, restoring forest wetlands, and maintaining deadwood, all crucial for biodiversity.
Specific developments include a floating raft on the water body for waterfowl and tit nest boxes to combat processionary caterpillars. The wood also implements a 'black' lighting scheme at night, with limited illumination along paths to protect nocturnal species. The town will soon reorganize entrances for better identification and to prevent unauthorized access.
The Bois des Éboulures is home to diverse fauna and flora, including numerous birds (finch, goldfinch, magpie, thrush, etc.), odonates (dragonflies), amphibians (toad, newt), mammals (bats, fox, squirrel), and a variety of trees and wild flowers.
The town encourages citizens to contribute to biodiversity knowledge by sharing observations via the Faune-Île-de-France and Lobelia platforms, and promotes joining the LPO refuges network.
Given the risk of fires, exacerbated by drought, firefighters from Franconville remind the public of prevention rules: never discard cigarette butts, be cautious with barbecues and fires, avoid creating sparks in dry weather, maintain areas around homes, and immediately alert emergency services (18 or 112).
“"Faced with vegetation fires, prevention remains our best protection. A simple cigarette butt, a spark, or a poorly managed barbecue can be enough to start a fire. Everyone's vigilance is essential. And if a fire breaks out, emergency services must be alerted quickly by dialing 18 or 112, without ever putting oneself in danger."
