This is not the first project that the services of mountain land restoration (RTM) are carrying out in the torrent of Beranger, in the Ecrins National Park/F . During storm events, the stream is capable of digging its slopes and mobilizes large amounts of materials that can accumulate in the embanked gorge (thalweg) of this valley.

In the past, structures built with large stones and concrete didn’t resist. This time, the RTM and the park have agreed to proceed with a technique using wood and straw.

Uncommon in France, the method is most common in Austria and Switzerland. The flexibility of the materials should allow the structure to deform without breaking, and if the torrent takes anyway the top, it takes away natural element.

The site was informative for all and its initiators regard it as an exemplary approach that they hope to replicate in other sites.