AEPHL

Presentation of the Association

Who are we?

Founded in May 2022, our association "Acting for the Environment and Heritage in the Haut-Léon" (AEPHL) has 112 members, mainly spread across the Haut-Léon area in northern Finistère, and represents fourteen municipalities.

Our initiative stems from a simple observation: there is an urgent need to come together to address environmental issues and unite around concrete projects promoting ecological transition. Acting for the environment in our agricultural region, which is heavily polluted on land, in waterways, and at sea, is essential, as we face all sorts of environmental problems daily.

Thus, action becomes our watchword. Wherever possible, we intervene to safeguard the environment and biodiversity. With our modest resources, we fight against all forms of pollution and nuisances that impact human and animal health.

Our roadmap is clear: we act at the local level and with our fellow citizens, always in a pedagogical and positive manner. We particularly focus on working with schools and youth. We reach out to our elected officials whenever necessary to find solutions together.

In response to the climate emergency, AEPHL aims to lead actions by bringing together all goodwill and becoming a driving force in local life. With this in mind, we saw it fit to propose the creation of a community orchard as a project for 2023.

Project Description

The Eco-Orchard in Plouescat

Why plant trees?

As an environmental protection association, what could be more relevant than planting an orchard and sharing its benefits! To this end, a 3800 m² plot located in the town of Plouescat — made available to the association by one of its members — will soon host various species of fruit trees.

Ecologically speaking, it is important to remember that trees absorb CO2, store carbon, produce oxygen through photosynthesis, and improve air quality. Trees provide habitat and food for many animal species, contributing to the preservation of biodiversity. Planting trees reduces soil erosion, provides shade, and protects against excessive heat. Lastly, the fruits harvested in this community orchard will be shared, and the red fruits will be turned into jams.

Climate change and biodiversity decline are challenges that need to be addressed urgently. Repurposing this land into an orchard will create a biodiversity-rich space that will benefit insects, especially pollinators. The choice of tree and shrub varieties will focus on ancient and robust fruit-bearing varieties better adapted to the local ecosystem.

Our Objectives

With this project, AEPHL also aims to create a playful and educational space to raise awareness among adults and children about the environment and the climate emergency. Anyone can participate in the maintenance of the plot, learn how to plant, prune, mulch, harvest… And this orchard will become a place of exchange, accessible to all residents of Haut-Léon, creating a pleasant and friendly living space. It will be a way to raise awareness about the importance of biodiversity and the need to stop using pesticides. We will organize workshops on various topics related to ecology and sustainable development: permaculture, techniques for maintaining a sustainable orchard, setting up insect hotels, birdhouses...

Our Roadmap

The orchard will be maintained manually, without any chemical products. A rainwater harvesting system will be installed. Green waste will be recycled. A hedge will be planted to mark part of the plot.

We will decide on the choice of trees (apple trees, pear trees...), shrubs (raspberries, currants, blackcurrants, strawberries...), opting for local and rustic varieties that can easily adapt to the region's climate conditions.

We will finalize the configuration of the land and the placement of the species. Then comes the soil and equipment preparation (stakes, protections, topsoil, straw, manure, compost...). We will establish a schedule of intervention dates and available volunteers. Anyone interested can participate in one or more tasks depending on their skills… or their desire to learn!

In early November, AEPHL will hold a preparatory meeting with the elected officials of Plouescat to share information and organize. Then, the residents of Haut-Léon will be informed of the orchard’s creation through an article published in the local press (Le Télégramme and Ouest-France). In mid-November, the plot will be prepared, and the plants will be purchased in fall/winter 2024.

Our Financial Needs

We will spread our project over two years, depending on our financial means. We must prioritize all volunteer material support and recovery. We, of course, rely on the members of the association to provide the necessary labor. However, to get started properly, we are asking for financial contributions for the following three items, totaling around 5000 euros.

1/ Plot preparation

We will need to hire a company to restore the plot. Estimated cost: 2988.70 euros.

2/ Plants

To plant an orchard on 3800 m², we initially need to acquire about fifty tree, hedge, melliferous plant, and fruit bush plants, which we estimate to cost 1340 euros (bulk purchase).

3/ Basic Equipment

To start our planting work, we will need stakes and ties for an estimated cost of 160.65 euros. (Cf. estimate from Magasin Vert)

It is worth mentioning that part of the equipment and fruit bushes required for the orchard will be donated to the association for free.

Example: Raspberries, blackcurrants, gooseberries, strawberries, straw...

Fruits and Vegetables for All!

Our association is aware that this is a long-term project, requiring diligence and perseverance. It involves us morally and physically in local life, alongside our fellow citizens. It is beneficial for our region and fosters conviviality and sharing. Finally, while eating fruit is good for health, growing good organic vegetables could be a logical next step for us. Today, these items are expensive in a household's budget. Many people do without. Learning to grow one’s own fruits and vegetables is a step toward food self-sufficiency.

The Core Missions of AEPHL

Cleaning up waste from roadsides, eco-points, cemetery surroundings, etc.

Raising awareness about respecting nesting seasons (hedge trimming period)

Fighting illegal dumping

Participating in planting trees and shrubs (importance of this)

Reminding about regulations concerning bird-scarers

Intervening in cases of non-compliance with pesticide spraying distance rules

Protecting animals (swallows, bees, foxes, hedgehogs, bats, butterflies, etc.) and reminding people of their role in biodiversity protection

Raising awareness about waste sorting

Setting up protections around eco-points

Intervening during mowing and brush cutting operations organized by municipal or departmental agents to collect waste before it is shredded

Intervening at recycling centers (cleaning) and reminding about the importance of trailer protective nets to prevent waste from being scattered in nature

Working with primary schools to raise awareness among students about the importance of protecting our environment

Becoming a civil party in cases of pollution observed in the region

Stopping, if possible, the destruction of trees and shrubs along roadsides by using saws and brushcutters (broken or shredded branches)

Maintaining hiking trails, restoring sites (washhouses, etc.)

Registering with associations like ASPAS, Bretagne Vivante, ERB, FNE, LPO, RESAM, etc.

Raising alarms with the relevant authorities.