The Mont Saint Mard watchman

On Mont Saint Mard, in the forest of Compiègne, there is a magnificent pine tree planted around 1850. It stands more than 30 meters high and far exceeds the forest which extends at its feet. He survived a strong storm in 2007 and the ax of the loggers who, on this occasion, had to clean this part of the wood. It was not classified as a tree to be saved, but the lumberjack who marked the trees to be felled was amazed at its majestic shape and height and spared it. It overlooks the Aisne valley and can be seen for miles around. He seems to watch over the forest at his feet, and that is why he is called the Watchman. "

it is “a black pine which was grafted, in the 19th century, on a Scots pine”. At over 160 years old now, he survived the storm of December 26, 1999, earning him many nicknames.