Location of the SGIB 75 - Pré des Forges

V Aerial view of the SGIB at the beginning of the project (orthophoto from 2007) . Zoom on the map (JPG-622 ko)

Septembre 2010 - - general view over the Pré des Forges

October 2011

October 2011- A large part of the reserve is going to be deforested as part of the LIFE project. The "Pré" des Forges had been gradually turning into a forest park in recent years. The reopening of the area will allow the alluvial prairies to be restored and an attempt to be made to mitigate the impact of the wild boar found on the reserve by removing the majority of the oaks (sources of food, mast) and by removing their cover in several places (bushes). To transport away the wood that has been removed, a path is first created manually in order to open up a passageway on the dry edges of the reserve.

August 2011 – Two areas of the nature reserve are mown. The technique of mowing using horse traction is tested. After a rather inconclusive trial, the system was improved to produce a very good result.

August 2011 – A dozen sheets of metal are placed at the base of blackthorn thickets. It is hoped that the European adder will appreciate these layers which are quickly warmed by the sun.

August 2011 – The day of winter clearing was not able to cover the whole area that needed to be cleared. A small team finished the work in August and attacked the remaining young blackthorns.

February 2011 – Some volunteers are used to rolling up their sleeves during the winter period and partially clearing the central enclosure of the reserve (non-grazed area). In 2011, the LIFE team joined their ranks. The main objective of the work is to promote the early stages of recolonisation by the blackthorn. This is particularly beneficial for the European adder, a target species in the nature reserve.

July 2010 – View of the recent clearing, between the central enclosure of the RND and the railway embankment

March 2010 – Part of the reserve is not being grazed (enclosure is inaccessible to the Highland cows). This management practice essentially aims to create a favourable habitat for the European adder, in particular by conserving young blackthorn thickets.