The unique 'Petit-Bois' of Sierre, which is located directly south of the railroad station, will be enlarged. The adjacent vineyard hill to the east is being renaturalized and connected to the existing Petit-Bois. In the new, upgraded area of around 5500 square meters, visitors will be able to discover natural habitats, learn interesting facts about the respective ecological structures and get inspiration for their own natural garden. The implementation team is being actively supported by pupils from Sierre's schools in planting around 4600 native shrubs and trees.
As a nature park municipality, the town of Sierre is continuing its commitment to biodiversity. Between Bellevue Square and the cemetery, the Petit-Bois hill provides a green oasis in the town center. After completing the first part of the restoration with facilities, benches, stone walls and path improvements, the town is continuing the renaturation of the "eastern" part of the Petit-Bois. Thanks to the collaboration between the municipality of Sierre and the Pfyn-Finges Nature Park, a unique and exemplary project has been realized.
Thousands of species have been planted since last fall. In a few weeks, more than 4600 native trees and shrubs will have been planted on the 5500 square meters. The pupils of the town of Sierre are lending a hand themselves. Dozens of them are taking part in the planting of these native shrubs. This educational activity, which is prepared in class, makes them aware of the aspects of renaturation and design for the benefit of biodiversity. They discover the importance of elements such as rock piles, dead wood or hedges of native shrubs for the fauna of our region. Over the course of the year, some classes will complete the renaturalized Petit-Bois with insect hotels and other elements.
By the summer, paths with educational signs and relaxation areas will allow the public to enjoy nature in peace and quiet. The various facilities, including zones for dry meadows, an area for a new planting method (a Miyawaki forest) and rest areas, will not only enhance the hill ecologically, but also provide a space for nature in the immediate vicinity of the town center.
The redevelopment of this part of Petit-Bois began in October 2022 and will be open to the public in the summer. Some areas will not be immediately accessible to allow nature and biodiversity to settle in. The official inauguration will take place on September 16, 2023 as part of the 50th anniversary of JardinSuisse Valais.
In order to realize this unique project, the city invested around 300,000 francs, while the Pfyn-Finges Nature Park took over the project management and contributed 120,000 francs to the implementation costs. In addition, the Swiss Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired (SBV) sponsored two trees for the project.
The various measures implemented on the Petit-Bois site are part of a constant process carried out by the town of Sierre to promote biodiversity. Small and large-scale actions are carried out regularly: differentiated maintenance along watercourses and canals, on the grass strips along roads, but also larger projects such as the renaturation of the banks of Lac de Géronde, the canals of Chippis and La Rèche or the renaturation of the Pramont site.