Saturday May 4 in the morning, around twenty brave people braved the rain to come and discover the curiosities contained in the ponds and reed beds around the Montignac racecourse, an area called “the Charente islands”. One of the 860 sites managed by the Conservatory of Natural Spaces (CEN) of Nouvelle-Aquitaine. This site was acquired as part of the compensatory measures with the construction of the LGV. Representing the CEN, Aliénor Vautier, project manager, explains the importance of preserving such a biotope because, all along the river, we find the same problem, namely that humans have disrupted these very fragile ecosystems that are the meadows. floodplains or reed beds. Aware of the problem, local stakeholders have taken measures for several years, activating partnerships with associations such as Charente Nature, represented that day by Alexandre Dutray, host. It is therefore to discover this very special environment that walkers set out. Boots required!
Laughing frog, damselfly dragonfly and coypu
First pond, first discovery. The artificial ponds were dug to build the racecourse and then, over time, nature took back its rights. “Apart from digging, there was no human action here,” explains Alexandre Dutray, “the fish came thanks to the floods, the plants grew on their own, perfectly adapted to this environment. »
“This is also the interest of this site,” insists Aliénor Vautier, “it allows us to create a mosaic of habitats. » Laughing frogs which announce the arrival of walkers or birds annoyed by the presence of humans and who make it known with loud, loud cries, the small troop enters a territory where it is not necessarily welcome. Discreet, everyone tries to make themselves small and immerse themselves in the wonders of the water’s edge. There, a damselfly dragonfly numbed by the rain allows itself to be handled while an indifferent coypu grazes on algae in the middle of the pond. The journey continues.
We are in the habitat zone of the European mink.
The group ventures into a reed bed. the environment becomes almost hostile. “Be careful, the leaves can cut,” announces Alexandre Dutray, “also watch out for the mud and the water level has risen since yesterday, watch your boots!” » Cautiously, the troop follows the path created for the occasion so as not to damage the terrain. “This plot is maintained every 3-4 years,” explains Aliénor Vautier, “because if we want this environment not to be swallowed up by the forest, we must help it. » The group discovers a pond dug by the CEN 4 years ago. “We are in the habitat zone of the European mink,” enthuses Alexandre Dutray. This extremely endangered small mammal, benefiting from a European LifeVison protection program, found in this area a space conducive to its survival. Here, individuals have also been captured and marked. This sanctuary seems to benefit him considering the pieces of crayfish, leftovers from the discreet animal’s meals. A relocation project is even planned.
