In selecting species for our guild, we chose species of the forest subnetwork, some of them like the tawny owl, red squirrel and the bat are already inhabitants of the site, then we add a migratory bird – the Eurasian hoopoe that are not usually on the site, but we could hope to see one day since they are making a comeback in our region.
We map their activities during the year and throughout the day, so most of them will be there all-year around, and we also highlight the breeding season which are essential for the renewal of the species. Lastly, we can see humans, more present in the warmer season for sport, leisure, and having pic-nic during lunch.
Our attention was drawn to parc of mon repos, as we observed a distinct break in the forest subnetwork when viewing it from the north of Sauvabelin. The park stands out like a natural island within the urban environment.
Motivated by this, our decision was to embark on a rewilding initiative for this park. Our purpose is to enhance the park, making it more conducive for wildlife and contributing to the overall improvement of the surrounding area.
To achieve this, we analyzed the elements present on the site, identifying various natural elements that are crucial for animals for foraging, hunting and dwelling.
Additionally, we are also interested in its noise and lighting conditions, because most of the animals we chose are sensitive to them, like the tawny owl and the bat need silence and darkness for their prey. And those two elements are nearly absent in the middle of the park, where we can find this remarkable building, the villa de mon repos.
Currently, the villa is owned by the Ville de Lausanne, yet it remains underutilized. So it presents an interesting area for further investigation and exploration.
Following an on-site analysis of tree species, we discovered that oak trees align with a significant portion of animal affinities, providing nesting areas and rich biodiversity for foraging. That’s why we’ve decided to enhance the park by planting more oak trees.
To implement an effective tree-growing strategy, we plan to bring in a team of botanic researchers to use the villa as their laboratory and offices, and they will supervise the entire process of growing trees in the parc de mon repos.
And here’s our tree-planting approach:
Acorn collection by the public: First the public will be invited to collect acorns on-site, the oak tree seeds. These acorns can then be brought to the reception area of the villa.
Botanist’s preselection: And in the attic of the villa, botanists will conduct a preselection of viable acorns for growth.
Indoor growing room: Then the selected acorns will be placed in a double-hight indoor grow room, where the environmental factors as light, temperature and humidity can be precisely controlled.
Hardening off process: After the initial growth phase, the oak tree seedlings will move to the hardening off stage, on the first floor of the villa, with these three outdoor terraces, which becomes a crucial area for acclimating young oak seedlings gradually, so people will bring the young seedlings outside a few hours per day, to get them adapted to the outdoor conditions.
Transplanting: And before the oak trees being planted throughout the entire park, the caretakers will transplant the young trees into the terraces behind the villa for final survey, and this will allow the public to visit and witness the trees growth, creating a direct connection with the acorns they initially found.
The Villa transforms into a tree production hub. In this way, we not only enhance the biodiversity of the park but also engage the community in the growth process, which cultivates a deeper connection between the public and a green, wild environment of the Parc de mon repos.