In Orne, a stream finds its natural course thanks to the work of man

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Six months after the end of works, nature seems to have regained its rights. THE Bourgela tributary stream of the Touques (Orne) has returned to its natural course, at the bottom of the valley. He had been “diverted” from his bed to operate a moulinnow extinct.

This change in route had negative consequences on water quality. On the presence of fish. And on the floods in the territory of Avernes-Saint-Gougon (Orne), a commune of the Community of communes of the Auge and Merlerault valleys.

Finally, the sculpin is back

The work, carried out in two stages, in 2023 and 2024, restored health to this stream. The water is less stagnant, since the natural slope has been found. The faster flow has a direct impact on water quality. Less time exposed to the sun, temperature water has dropped by 5°. Going, on a beautiful summer day, from 25° to 20°. This allows for better oxygenation of the water and a much more favorable environment for fish.

Cédric Gahery is a technician at Mixed union of the Touques watershed. Today he comes to read one of the temperature sensors, his feet in the water. While waiting for the analysis results, he is already observing a clear improvement in water quality. He noticed the return of a very interesting little fish, the sculpin.

This little fish, the sculpin, is a sign of the good health of the stream, it is a bio indicator species

When will the crayfish return?

Cédric Gahery hopes to soon see the return to Bourgel of another, better known fish, the brown trout. Then will come the crayfish’s turn. Highly anticipated. This endangered species should colonize this new natural area of ​​the watercourse.

The work cost €150,000. They were financed by the Water Agencyby the Normandy Region and by European funds (FEDER). But also by the Joint Syndicate of the Touques watershed on its own funds. Like all public watercourse management structures, the union has benefited from an allocation since 2014 with the creation of the Gemapi tax (Management of Aquatic Environments and Flood Prevention).

Meanders to slow down the water

The work on the Bourgel stream was carried out in consultation with the residents. The stream wasn't just moved a few meters. The Joint Syndicate of the Touques watershed has planted trees along the bank. And they also created meanders in the river. They help slow down the water when the slope becomes steeper. They help prevent too rapid flow which eats away the banks during flood periods.

In this valley, the stream previously had a course of 500 meters. Today he must cover 700 meters. That's extra room to spread out during periods of flooding.

Works in 2025 in Gacé

This is the other concern of local residents. Floods.

Regularly, the stream burst out of its bed to invade the surrounding meadows. At this place these overflows endanger only one farm. But the lessons learned here will be useful elsewhere. In 2025, development work on the Touques course will be carried out in Gacé. The city was flooded twice in 2021. This left very bad memories.

Suffice to say that the results of the work on the Bourgel stream are awaited. The work in Gacé will directly benefit from theexperience acquired here, in this small stream of Pays d'Auge.

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