MARAIS DU COTENTIN ET DU PARC NATUREL RÉGIONAL

Where to watch our wildlife ? D I S C O V E R

sites to visit interpretation trails observation points

www.parc-cotentin-bessin.fr N O R M A N D Y PARC NATUREL RÉGIONAL DES MARAIS DU COTENTIN ET DU BESSIN

Environment and landscapes

Marshlands CHERBOURG-OCTEVILLE Introduction Foreshore 1 The Mont de p. 3 FieldsF and hedgerows 2 The Havre at Saint-Germain-sur-Ay p. 4

CHERBOURG-OCTEVILLE 3 Mathon peat bog p. 6 CHERBOURG-OCTEVILLE Moor 4 The Lande du Camp p. 7

D 14 Wood or forest 5 Saint-Patrice-de-Claids heaths p. 8

La Sinope 6 Sursat pond p. 9 SNCF Dune oro beach N 13 D 42 7 Rouges-Pièces reedbed p. 10 D 24 8 p. 11 BRICQUEBEC Bohons Reserve Le 16 D 42 Marshlands, 9 D 14 D 421 The Port des Planques p. 12 between two coastlines… N 13 La 18 D 15 10 D 900 The Château de la Rivière p. 13 11 The Claies de p. 14 D 2

STE-MÈRE- 12 19 ÉGLISE The marshes p. 15 ST-SAUVEUR- LE-VICOMTE D 15 Chef-du-Pont D 913 17 13 The Colombières countryside p. 16 D 70 Baie D 514 BARNEVILLE- des Veys D 15 La Douve D 70 CARTERET 14 Les Moitiers- The Ponts d’Ouve “Espace Naturel Sensible” p. 17 Le Gorget en-Bauptois D 113 20 La Senelle 15 15 The Veys bay p. 18-19 PORTBAIL er La Douve a M 1 à l an rent PORT- de Ca D 24 D l EN-BESSIN 16 14 a N 13 n The East coast seashore Maison du Parc a C D 903 La Sèves Canal des Espagnols 12 N 13 D 903 ISIGNY- p. 20-21 Lithaire L’Aure L’Aure from Utah-Beach to Morsalines La Vire SUR-MER L’Esque Canal d’Auvers SNCF L’Aure TRÉVIÈRES D 29 LA HAYE- La Tortonne 17 The Domaine de Beauguillot La Taute DU-PUITS D 5 13 Méautis

D 136 ancienne N 174 Colombières A 13 - PARIS and the Sainte-Marie-du-Mont polders p. 22 D 11 D

D 900 L’ La Sèves 8 D 29 D 96 D 650 Neuilly- D 5 18 D 24 D D 971 9 la-Forêt géosite p. 23 D 29 Canal de La Vire Vire et Taute CAEN D 72 PARIS St-André- 10 19 p. 24 2 de-Bohon Saint-Sauveur-le-Vicomte public forest L’Ay 5 Graignes- 3 Mesnil Angot ST-JEAN- LE MOLAY-LITTRY DE-DAYE SNCF 20 Sangsurière and Adriennerie Nature Reserve p. 25 D 8 D 900 L’Esque

4 Le Lozon D 29 La Taute D 57 7 Moon- Other sites to watch wildlife p. 26-27 La Terrette La Vire sur-Elle BAYEUX Marchésieux CAEN

D 650 PÉRIERS ancienne N 174 L’Elle D 2 11 ST-CLAIR- 6 D 77 SUR-L'ELLE For further information L’Ay St-Martin- La Sèves D 52d'Aubigny D 8

D 68

D 57 N 174 D 6 La Taute D 900 ST-SAUVEUR- LENDELIN Le Mesnilbus D 53

La Vire La Venloue

SNCF Le Lozon

La Terrette GRANVILLE SAINT-LÔ LE MONT ST-MICHEL MARIGNY COUTANCES

COUTANCES RENNES VILLEDIEU-LES-POELES A84 - LE MONT ST-MICHEL 1 The Mont de Doville Where to watch our wildlife ? 49.32218, -1.56051 3 km - 1h30

The marshes between two seas Look for Typical heath flora ( 1 Bell Marshes, peat bogs, heaths, rivers, estuaries, dunes, hedgerows…, there is a vast diversity of heather, 4 Cross-leaved heath, habitats within the parc. Heather, 2 Dwarf gorse and There are large expanses of water-meadows criss-crossed by canals and ditches; from a distance Western gorse, Bristle Bent, these marshes appear uniform. However, once in them this false impression is soon put to rights. 3 Deergrass, Marsh gentian, Small-flowered catchfly…). The soil type (peaty or mineral), topography and thus humidity, agricultural use all influence Dartford warbler breeds. the multitude of plant formations that occur. And, in winter they take on a completely different aspect: the meadows are covered in water forming an extensive lake surrounded by hedgerows.

At its outlet, the freshwater meeting the sea gives rise to estuaries fringed by salt-marshes and 1 2 dunes. Here, the daily changing of the tide is responsible for an ever changing landscape. On an important migration route, between the Scandinavian and Siberian tundra and African wetlands Named “Escalleclif” (the bald escarpment) by Scandinavian colonists, and bush, the Baie des Veys and the Saint-Germain-sur-Ay bay are used by thousands of migrant the 127 metres summit of the Mont de Doville looks over the marshes, the Bauptois area and . Its top is covered in low heather and gorse birds. heath, whereas its flanks are occupied by taller heath of gorse and com- In the west of the region, the Lessay heaths have within extensive areas of Maritime pines a mon oak. reminding remnant of the “Grande Lande” (Big heath) immortalise in the writings of Barbey d’Aurevilly. Heather heaths dotted with peat bogs are a witness of a difficult geography both for plants and past land use. et gorg le Compared to other regions, woodland and forest are rare here, but trees are everywhere. Here is 3 4 one of the bastions of the French hedgerow countryside. This manmade landscape is relatively Le Boscq La Brière D137 La Besnarderie well conserved here. The presence of two different geological formations, the massif Armoricain When to look ? La Guilberderie La Noblesse La Jouennerie From April to July for birds. and the Parisian basin as well as past and present land use explains hedgerow diversity (tree La La Duperquerie June to August for plants. species, field size, tree size…). Carrière La Renauderie La Perrerie “Where to watch our wildlife ?” invites the visitor to discover this mosaic of different habitats Signposted from the D900 road by choosing a selection of sites open to the public. Moulin vers Doville between La Haye-du-Puits and et la D900 Saint-Sauveur-le-Vicomte. Interpretation boards along the Remarkable Corps de garde paths. Sites to visit Observation points Le mont D337 monument de Doville La Scellerie Interpretation trails: start Hide Information La Volerie n so is National nature Path u B Footpath: start Chapelle La Fosseyrie e reserve Protected area Saint-martin l GPS coordinates La Louetterie La Maison Langlois La Hostinguerie 2 La Fontaine back to 3 Le Roncheret Saint-martin summary

D903

D900

D900

elande ruisseau de blanch 2 The Havre at Saint-Germain-sur-Ay 49.21874, -1.60895 5 km - 2h La Gaverie

Le Pilier Des Fontaines Les Royales

l Hameau Ermisse 'O u Les Blanchettes Les Fosses à Lin ve D650 Corps de garde Les Mares L'Yvourie D72

Les Mézières Les Salines

l a

B r os se La Doyennerie

Le havre de Saint-Germain-sur-Ay

l’Ay

Les Carrières Hameau Legruel Pointe Fierville eu du Becquet i F l'ay la le G Le Haut Dy ou Le Bel tte ès Cygnes Le Gué La Morte de l'Orme Femme Saint-Germain-sur-Ay Havre (Havre are morphologically specific to the Les Caves du Haut Dy west Cotentin coast – the nearest in English is haven) is an estuary closed by a sand bar to the north constantly supplied with sand by the sea currant parallel to the coast. Here is a complete spectrum of estuarine habitats: salt-marsh, colonization areas of glasswort and seablite, sand D652 bars and mudflats. Two sand dune formations, also very diversified, frame the “havre”: the le dun

“pointe du Banc” (Saint-Germain-sur-Ay) and the “pointe du Becquet” Mer D650 (Créances). de la Pointe du Banc Les Caves vers Créances

Look for When to look ? Various view-points around the “havre” are worth visiting: corps de garde (guardroom), «pointe du Banc», «pointe du Becquet». Salt-marsh flora (Glasswort, Orache, Sea wormwood, 1 2 From April to August for plants. 1 Sea aster…) and in the dunes (the maritime sub-species of Interpretation trail in the dunes of Créances signposted from the D650 road From August to March and May between Lessay and . Round-leaved wintergreen, 2 Jersey pink, Meadow violet, Broo- for wintering and migrant birds. For seeing waders, best to look during a rising tide. kweed, Bee orchid…). March to July for breeding Be careful there are often strong currents in the various canals which can be Various birds occur on migration or in winter (Brent goose, birds. dangerous. Shelduck, various waders, Osprey, terns…). March to May for amphibians. Breeding birds include: Shelduck, 3 Oystercatcher and Sand martin. Breeding amphibians include ( 4 Parsley frog, Natter- 3 4 jack toad, Marbled newt…). 4 back to 5 summary Mathon peat bog Look for The Lande du Camp Look for Flora typical of acid and al- Heathland flora ( 3 Cross-leaved 3 Lessay kaline peat bogs (Bog rose- 4 Lessay heath, Heather, Dwarf gorse, 49.21589, -1.52453 mary, 1 Greater spearwort, 49.18910, -1.50231 3 km - 1h30 1 Marsh gentian…) and of peat 2 Sundews, 4 Brown beak- bogs (sundews, Harestail cot- sedge, Bog asphodel…) and ton-grass, Bog rosemary, Shore- of heath (Bell heather, Heather, weed…). Dwarf gorse…). Dartford warbler and 2 Nightjar Breeding birds include: Water nest. rail, wetland warblers (Reed, There’s a large Alcon blue but- Grasshopper, Savi’s and Sedge), terfly colony. and Nightjar. There are 25 spe- Smooth snake occurs. cies of Dragonfly ( 3 Variable damselfly, Four-spotted libel- lula…). " #

La Maison Du1 Garde 2 1 2 Forêt de Vesly-Pissot Le Petit Gaslonde rivière de claids Mathon peat bog national nature reserve covers a small peat depression Historically" the site belonged to the inhabitants of Lessay, and thenl'ay a mi- D652 Tourbière de mathon between the heaths at Lessay to the south and Ay marshes to the north. Lessaylitary zone,(réserve the Lande naturelle) du Camp has since been sold to the “Conservatoire Covering less than 16 hectares, created in 1973, not only is it one of the Le Ferragedu Littoral”. A mosaic of dry and wet heathLa Vallée and Palla peat bogs, the site is one smallest national nature reserves in but also one of the oldest. of the last examples of Mathonthe vast heath that covered Lessay. The reinstitu- Despite its small size there is a good diversity of habitats (woodland, Gaslonde tion of grazing (goats, sheep, cattle) in order to keep the habitat open is a meadows, heath, peat bogs and marsh). new stage in the sites history.

Le Haut Bois La Bastonnerie Les Grands Bois

D900 La Paperie le 3 4 3 h vers La Croix o c Bellée vers La Haye- q Lessay La Petite u du-Puits Le Moulin Whene to look ? When to look ? D900 Vallée t La Montagne La Jeanneterie From May to August for plants. June to August for plants. Hameau de Bas La Gardiennerie From April to August for bree- April to July for birds. Bretel Le Hamet Le Moulin ding birds. La Bezanterie Car park on the D394 road betweenCavilly à Vent From June to September for Le Bocage Lessay Hocquet La lande the villages of Hottot and Rendurie dragonflies. Hottot Interpretation trail leaflet La Martinerie vers Créances Access is strictly controlled, available at Lessay Tourist Office Le Petit La Rougerie Gaslonde special access on request from the (02.33.45.14.34) or Cotentin CPIE D394 du Camp “Cotentin CPIE” or during organised (02.33.46.37.06). La tourbière Le Vivier La Vallée Palla guided outings in summer. D2 Beware, the site is often flooded in L'épinerie Le Ferrage de Mathon Mathon Information: CPIE du Cotentin Hameau winter. Gaslonde Marguerin Hôtel Ès Amis (02.33.46.37.06) Similar sites Cavilly D900 vers Access form the centre of Lessay. Le Buisson The common heaths at Millières, Périers Muneville-le-Bingard. Vesly-Pissot. Nearby la Goutte D2 La Fresnerie “La Montagne” interpretation trail. Nearby La Guillaumerie Hôtel Coquet La Rendurie Buisson interpretation trail. 6 vers vers 7 Coutances back to summary Coutances Millières Village Malherbe Hôtel Tirel Village Henri Moulin De La Roque La Barberie La Roque

Le Château Blanc Cuves Village Cauvin Badet Le Grimpret Le Pavillon Village de La Bretonnière Le Far West la Croix La Feuillie La Poterie La Gruerie Lande de Lessay La Caucharderie Carrefour Au Loup Saint-Patrice-de-Claids Look for Sursat pond 5 Peat bog and heath flora 6 heaths (Bell heather, 4 Heather, Dwarf Pirou 49.22760, -1.43316 1,9 km - 2h gorse, 2 Oblong-leaved sundew, 49.16288, -1.53809 3,5 km - 2h Brown beak-sedge, 1 White beak-sedge, Deergrass, Marsh gentian…). Look for 3 Nightjar nests. Peat bog flora ( 1 Bog rosemary, A small population of the Alcon Brown sedge-grass, Deergrass, blue butterfly. 2 Lesser bladderwort…). More than ten species of dragon- 14 species of Dragonfly oc- flies. cur (Scarce emerald damsel- fly, Goblet-marked damselfly, 3 Black sympetrum…). Nightjars occur.

la rue du brocq 1 2 1 2 le moitier The first woodland of the ancient commonle heathsbas de appearedla ruepirou at the end of Confined within Pirou communal forest, Sursat pond is one of the last the 19th century and was cut for use in mines during the 1914-1918 war. peat bogs of the Lessay heaths. In a depression, it receives water form There as a second large-scale planting of trees duringla calière the 1950s. le haut de la rue nearby springs. The stagnant, acid waters favour the growth of sphag- Nowadays the Maritime pine dominates the Saint-Patrice-de-Claids com- num, mosses typical of peat bogs that contribute to peat formation. la demeure la jammerie le château blanc munal forest but it nevertheless has a fine diversity of habitats: dry heath, peat heath, ponds, streams, deciduous woodland… bourgogne le pavillon le far west la croix vindy

la liroterie 3 4 3 vers rond buisson La Hédouinerie Saint-Jores La Bayonnerie When to lookles ?croutes vers When to look ? Lessay la maisonJune toneuve August for plants. April to June for birds. la saurie La Bonserie April to June for birds. June to August for plants. la barberie June to September for dragon- pirou plage An interpretation trail is signposted le grand heugueville le pont flies. la piloteriela bosquerie from the D24 road between Périers and Saint-Jores. D94 Car park from the D94 road between Pirou-Pont and the D2 La Val Les landes de Saint-Patrice Similar sites D2 La Feuillie and Créances communal (Lessay – Coutances road). château de pirou forests (Buisson). ! A footpath accessible from the car Le Domaine vers park crosses the tree studded heath la gauderie Coutances l'éventard to the south of the peat bog. D24 vers Be careful, peat bogs are fragile Pirou-Pont places, please don’t trample the la brassinerie site. la groucerie Le Pont Joliment la prévelleriegavron vers 8 La Campagne Périers back to 9 summary la carbonnellerie la couillarderie la bergerie la lucasserie le triangle la bourgeoiserie le lu hacqueville

les miellettes

la vignonnerie la gringorerie la menuerie la morinière la quinterie

la petite maresquière ferme du rond-point hôtel doyen la tournerie la grand-cour la grande maresquière hôtel délices hôtel ès roses hôtel couture hôtel au bosq Rouges-Pièces reedbed A voir Bohons reserve Look for Flora of alkaline peat bogs Flora of both alkaline and acid 7 Marchésieux ( 1 orchids, Marsh pea, Pale but- 8 Saint-Georges-de-Bohon bogs, (orchids, Marsh pea, sun- 49.21136, -1.27022 0,8 km - 30 min. terwort, Marsh fern…). 49.26348, -1.24026 dews, 2 Marsh lousewort…) Wetland warblers breed (Grass- and ditches (Water violet, Grea- hopper, 3 Sedge, Fan-tailed) as ter bladderwort…). does Willow warbler. Breeding Lapwing and flood The area’s good for crickets and meadow passerines (Blue- grasshoppers (Water-meadow headed wagtail, Sedge war- grasshopper, Short-winged bler…). conehead, 2 Large marsh Resting and wintering site grasshopper, Mole-cricket). for waterfowl (Teal, Shoveler, 1 Gadwall, 3 Snipe…).

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At the confluence of the Taute and the Lozon, the Rouge-Pièces reedbed The Bohons no-hunting reserve is situated in the widest part of the Taute forms an uplifted island of peat. Once used for providing “rotz”, a mixture valley. It’s a vast area of peat meadows criss-crossed by channels and of tough marsh grasses used for thatching, it was abandoned for a time. ditches; the sections of open water were digged in the 70s specifically for Today, the central meadow is surrounded by stands of willow with clea- waterfowl. This ancient communal marsh is rented and managed by the rings of tall grasses. “Manche Departmental Hunters Federation”.

3 3 Le Quesnoy du Haut Le Port vers L'eau Partie When to look ? Carentan When to look ? Le Quesney D903 D971 May to July for plants and birds. La La Galloterie May to July for plants. Fourchette La Hougue canal de Vire et Taute April to August for breeding An interpretation trail is signposted Auverville La Brechollerie Maison Le Moulin D29 from the D57 road between Saint- Les Terres Le Désert des birds. vers Rouges le Grand Fossé Ormes October to February for winte- André-de-Bohon and Marchésieux. Périers La Réserve de Chasse Be careful, the site is often flooded Saint- La Quenotterie ring birds. La Manerie Marais de Cap in winter. Quentin et de Faune Sauvage Cap la Taute Reserve visits only with a guide.

D29 L'Équillau Nearby des Bohons Information: Fédération Dépar- The “abri gabare” discovery site at Le Grand Pré Rivière des Gouffres tementale des Chasseurs de la D57 Tribehou. Saint-Julien Manche (02.33.72.63.63). Marais de la Baritte Access from Saint-Georges-de-Bo- L'Isle hon village. La roselière La Pire Lande Marais du Fetz vers des Rouges-Pièces Marchésieux Le Mesnil la Taute Nearby Le Port Tribehou L'Abbaye The “Maison des Ormes” interpretation trail. Grand marais Le Flaguet la Rivière Neuve 10 le Lozon Rivière du Moulin 11 Saint-Georges-de-Bohon back to summary The Port des Planques Look for The “Château de la Rivière” Flora of both alkaline and acid 9 Montmartin-en-Graignes bogs (orchids, Marsh pea…) and 10 Saint-Fromond 49.26208, -1.19855 4 km - 2h of ditches (Water violets, 1 Bog- 49.24447, -1.11468 bean…). Nesting Bittern, 3 Marsh and Montagu’s harriers, Look for Curlew and Lapwing, and Ditch flora. flood meadow passerines 1 2 3 White stork colony (about ( 2 Whinchat, Blue-headed wag- twenty pairs). tail…). Several White stork nests in the surrounding countryside. Harrier roost in winter. Resting and win- tering wetland birds (Great egret, Snipe…).

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The trail that leaves from Port des Planques follows the Vire-Taute canal. The “Château de la Rivière” was built in the 11th century by Odon de Built during the industrial revolution, the canal allowed “gabares” tradi- Carteville, half-brother of . When built it was on the tional flat-bottomed boats, to go between Saint-Lô and Carentan without side of the sea, on the Vire estuary. Today its ruins are in the heart of the going on the sea. Other than that, the trail allows extensive views over Saint-Fromond marsh, some 10 km from the sea. peat marshes including the Marais de la Taute regional nature reserve, The chateau was badly destroyed in 1944, in the battle following the Nor- owned by the “Groupe Ornithologique Normand” – the local bird group. mandy landings. There’s a colony of White storks on the walls that remain.

3 3 Le Petit Hameau vers Carentan Canal de Vire et Taute vers ancienne When to look ? Château de la Rivière When to look ? Le Clos RN 174 La Tringale for plants. for the White Marais Le Courval May and July March to August Saint-Nicolas April to August for nesting birds. Le Pont Storks. du Fetz Bignon October to February for winte- L'Écluse At the end of the D377 road acces- ring birds. sible form the D445 road between Le Port des Planques La Rivière Saint-Fromond and Saint-Jean-de- Canal de Vire et Taute Access from the D89 road between La Corbetterie Daye. la Taute the old RN174 road and Graignes- Mesnil Angot. Be careful, the chateau and Marais du D 974 Be careful, during winter the surrounding marshes are private, D89 Grand Mont footpath is often flooded. The Silly please stay on the tracks. regional nature reserve is closed to La Ruette the public. La Comté Marais de la Similar sites Marais La Vallée Petite The “Maison des Ormes” at Mont- D 445 Commune du Rotz Audeville Martin-en-Graignes, the “Marais du Saint-Jean-de-Daye Le Rotz Marais de Penême Rivage” at Auvers. 12 D 377 vers back to 13 vers Graignes vers Saint-Lô La Briquerie Saint-Fromond summary The Claies de Vire The Aure marshes Look for Flora of water meadow (Marsh 11 12 Saint-Germain-du-Pert stitchwort, Narrow-leaved water 49.17826, -1.11480 49.33067, -1.03933 5 km - 2h30 dropwort, Lady’s smock…) and ditches (Water violet, 3 Frogbit, Common meadow-rue…). Look for Lapwing, Marsh harrier and va- 2 Migratory fish (Allis shad, At- rious water meadow passerines lantic salmon, Sea trout…). nest (Whinchat, 1 Blue-headed Breeding Grey wagtail and wagtail, 2 Sedge warbler…). 1 Kingfisher. Several White stork nests in the surrounding countryside.

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Fishpond, lock, mill and small electricity dam have all succeeded each As with the similar Cotentin area, the Aure marshes in the Bessin are other over the centuries at Claies de Vire. Today the site has been conver- an extensive area of water meadows interlaced with many canals and ted to a fish watch point. Populations of Allis shad and Atlantic salmon ditches. Here, trees (essentially willows) are rare and horizons distant. N174 pass the site on their way to their spawning grounds and are presently In winter, water overflowing from the rivers associated with the lands increasing. flatness means for extensive flooding so that for a few weeks the marshes are under water: locally termed “la blanchie”. In summer, water is found only in ponds and ditches, even though the water table is just under the soil surface.

2 3 vers Saint-Jean-de-Daye vers St-Clair-sur-Elle When to look ? La Girotterie Saint-Germain- Quand voir ? Le Clos Les Claies du-Pert Les Fourneaux April-May for Shad. May to August for plants. Bessin de Vire Hameau Braihat October-November for Salmon April to August for breeding birds. vers D 124 Le Lieu Débonnaire Osmanville D974E1 Le Hameau Thomasse and Sea trout. La Croix Bunouf October to February for winte- Le Joliet La Laiterie ring birds. Saint- Discovery site signposted from the Gilles centre of La Meauffe. Les vers Interpretation trail signposted from Le Hameau Les Pézerils Buttes Canchy Billard A guide is present at the fish watch the D124 road between Osmanville La Cornicaillerie D54 point Monday and Wednesday La Perruque Hameau and Canchy. afternoons from April to early June. Pinson Le Sillon Be careful, the trail is often flooded La Herbaudière de la Voie Le Lieu Hameau Information : Fédération Départe- Le Jonquet Hébert in winter. Pont-Hébert mentale de Pêche de la Manche Raiton (02.33.46.96.50) Similar sites La Vengerie Les Grandes Mares The “Marais de l’Elle” trail at t e D974E1 r e i u V s Neuilly-la-Forêt and “Marais Saint- q e i a n l l o Coquet J o Les Folies F Clair” trail at Marchésieux. The

u s d e “Landscape through the ages” d La Perelle s s ur La Meauffe r co at . u

o 14 vers Quartier du Pont back to summary c 15 Saint-Lô

tranchée des varrevilles

La Bessinière l'écalhan La Doublerie The Colombières Look for The Ponts d’Ouve A voir Hedgerow flora ( 1 Early purple Resting and over-wintering wet- 13 countryside orchid, Lesser celandine, 14 “Espace Naturel Sensible” land birds ( 3 Teal, 3 Shoveler, 49.29699, -0.98032 10,5 km - 3h 4 Hartstongue, Male fern), an- Saint-Côme-du-Mont Garganey, Snipe, 1 Bittern…). cient oaks. 49.32163, -1.26567 5,5 km - 2h30 Breeding wetland warblers Breeding hedgerow passerines (Sedge, Savi’s and Marsh) (warblers, thrushes, Redstart, Bluethroat, Marsh harrier and tits…). Bittern. Breeding marshland birds, hun- 27 species of dragonfly (Hairy ting Hobby, and Little and Cattle dragonfly, 2 Emperor dragon- egrets. fly…). Wintering hedgerow birds ( 2 Fieldfare, finches…). Several 3 White stork nests in the surrounding countryside.

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The walk through the Colombières countryside allows the visitor to dis- In the heart of the Douve marshes, the Ponts d’Ouve “Espace Naturel cover another part of the Aure marshes and especially the hedgerow Sensible”* has been set up for visitors to discover marshes. Several hides countryside of higher land. allow the visitor to see the lakes and its reedbeds wildlife whilst the trail The marshes are a transition zone between the limestone and marls of winds through the water meadows. the Parisian bassin to the north and the schists and sandstones of the * a form of local nature reserve Armoricain massif to the south. The countryside here is dominated by oaks and sweet chestnuts, whereas to the north the disappearance of Elms has The “Maison du Parc” – parc visitor centre, starting given way to Ash and Field maple. Meadows, crops, hedgerows, ponds point for visiting the reserve, proposes various ser- and orchards allow the visitor to see wildlife typical of the countryside of vices that complement a reserve visit: information, western France. films, exhibitions, informative garden and shop.

l'esque

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e

marais suhard n n St-Côme-du-Mont ' A d in l When to look ? vers RN 13 When to look ? u o M L'Amont u d u April to August for plants. November to March for migrant a e s la Jourdan is u r April to June for breeding birds. and over-wintering duck. D913 Ferme de la Suharderie July to March for migrant and Le Lieu Hameau Minet du Cheval Château de Start of the hiking trail from the over-wintering waders. Lieu La Maresquerie Colombières Folleville La Poterie church car park in the centre of ! April to July for nesting birds La Perelle Maison du Parc Le Colombières. and plants. Thionville Feuillet La Basse les Ponts d’Ouve Rivière Le Lieu Gilles Le Perrey La Campagne Be careful, in winter, that part of Ferme de La Campagne ! On the D913 road between Saint- la Ronde the trail that crosses the marshes Le Château Le Couvent Côme-du-Mont and Carentan. Le Bouillon ! is often flooded. ! D5 Colombières La Malvoye ! ! Paying entrance. Unaccompanied Le Lieu Ferme des Saint-Jores Hutereaux Canal des espagnols or guided visits. Opening times Le Buisson Vaudel la Douve lt ou and conditions on the back of this Le Manoir vers Gr vers Béatrix La Perruque la Vouilly Le Molay- leaflet. y r Littry a u r is d s u eau lle o de Corainvi C D971

u La Houssaye Canal gravier d Carentan au La Lande se Pommenauque is ru L'isle la Madeleine back to 16 Corainville vers 17 Périers summary The Veys bay 15 49.36208, -1.15506 Banc de la Ravine

Le Grand Vey

e d Passe de Carentan ière Riv l’Escalgrain

! Pointe de Brévands

Polder du Rouff La pointe du Groin Polder du Polder Petit Saint-André du Carmel Polder St-Marguerite

Polder du Grand Saint-André The sea outlet for the Cotentin and Bessin marshes, the bay receives wa- D89 ter of the four rivers (Aure, Vire, Taute and Douve). The mix of fresh and sea water and large amount of sediments are the Canal de Carentan à la mer reason for a very productive ecosystem, particularly a rich food source Polder Frémont for wildlife. A fringe of salt-marsh, only flooded during the highest tides, has developed in front of the polder dykes. Beyond it, 4000 hectares of vers Brévands mudflats are uncovered at low tide. Le Chalet La Grève

La Coquerie 1 Look for When to look ? Various other viewpoints around the bay: the port at Brévands and the Pont de . Salt-marsh plants (Glasswort, Sea purslane, Sea as- 2 April to August for plants. Observation site at the Pointe de Brévands. ter…). August to March and May for For seeing waders, best to look during a rising tide ; for seals it’s best to look at Thousands of wintering and resting wetland birds waders. low tide. ( 3 Brent goose, Shelduck, Dunlin, 2 Ringed plover, October for geese. Stay on tracks, don’t walk onto the polders. Oystercatcher…) and birds of prey (Osprey, Short- August to October for seals. Be careful there are often strong currents in the various canals around the bay eared owl…). which can be dangerous. A group of 1 Common seals (some 100 animals). 2 34

back to 18 19 summary Anse du Look for Morsalines The East coast seashore Cul de loup High beach flora ( 2 Sea rocket, vers Quettehou 16 from Utah-Beach to Morsalines Sea kale…), sand dune flora 49.45053, -1.21653 ( 4 Marsh heleborine, Adders- tongue, Creeping willow…). D14 Breeding Shelduck and 3 Ken- tish plover. Thousands of resting and over- Crasville wintering birds (Brent goose, 1 Dunlin, 1 Sanderling, Turnstone, Ringed plover, Medi- Aumeville- terranean gull, terns…).

1 2 Lestre Quinéville D42 D421

vers D14 From Utah-Beach to Morsalines is a long beach sometimes backed by low Montebourg dunes (Utah-Beach, Fontenay-sur-Mer). Towards the north near the Cul de Loup spit the substrate becomes muddier allowing the development of Les Gougins a small salt-marsh between Lestre and Crasville. The streams that drain the east side of the marshes flow onto the beach via sluices constructed Fontenay-sur-Mer on the dunes or dykes whereas the Sinope estuary has a more natural 3 4 configuration. When to look ?

April to June for plants. D421 April to August for Kentish Ravenoville plage plover. St-Marcouf-de-l’Isle August to March and May for migrant and wintering waders. Various sites to visit Islets and top of the boulder beach vers Ravenoville at Lestre, shell beach at Saint- Cherbourg D14 Marcouf, top of the beach between RN 13 Ravenoville and Audouville-la- Hubert. D15 Foucarville An incoming tide is best for wat- ching waders. vers St-Germain- Utah-Beach vers Sainte- de-Varreville vers Mère-Eglise vers Sainte- Marie-du-Mont 20 back to summary Caen 21 The Domaine de Beauguillot Look for Salt marsh flora (Glasswort, Sea Fresville géosite 17 and the Sainte-Marie-du-Mont polders 18 purslane, Sea aster…). Thou- 49.44029, -1.38538 2 km - 2h 49.39004, -1.17629 2 km - 1h30 sands of birds make a stop- over or pass the winter (Teal, 2 Wigeon, 3 Pintail, 1 Greylag goose, Brent goose, Dunlin, Rin- Look for ged plover, Oystercatcher…) as Numerous Jussic fossils. do birds of prey (Peregrine, Hen Calcareous grassland plants harrier…). Wetland birds nest ( 1 Bee orchid, Slender wild oat, (Lapwing, Shelduck, Little grebe, Purging flax…). passerines…). Passage and wintering of wa- A Common seal colony. terfowl (Pochard and 2 Tufted duck…).

1 2 1

On the side of the Veys bay, the Domaine de Beauguillot and Sainte-Marie- Fresville géosite includes a lake surrounded by cliffs, calcareous grass- du-Mont polders were once a salt marsh successive claimed from the sea land and young woodland. From the early 20th century until 1984 the site by four embankments constructed between 1824 and 1972. The polders and was a quarry where men and machines extracted limestone. This extrac- their maritime fringe are classed as a National Nature Reserve except for tion brought to evidence the geological history of (Jurassic li- the southern polder classed as a no hunting reserve. The flooded meadows mestone and marl and Cetacean green clay and sand). are a refuge for thousands of migrant or wintering wetland birds. The ma- nagement of water levels enables birds to nest in spring. On the sea side of the embankments, waders and seals occur on the salt marsh and mudflats.

3 2 vers Utah-Beach D913 When to look ? When to look ? l La Dune se oi November to April for duck and C April to June for plants. de Gonneville u La Vallée ea geese. iss April to August for breeding Ru August to March and May for Les Poteries birds. Le Frêne Bisson waders. vers October to February for winte- April to July for breeding birds. Ecrammeville ring birds. Beauguillot D329 Le Goulet D 269 La Cour Interpretation trail with hides is Interpretation trail signposted from vers Sainte- Marie-du-Mont Réserve naturelle signposted from Utah-Beach. the centre of Fresville. Le Beau du Domaine de Beauguillot La Bedelle Prenant Stay on the tracks, please don’t enter the polders. Les Grandies Le Mur Le Hesnay Fresville La Petite voie Ferrée Dune vers Pouppeville Bancs du Grand Vey RN13 Grainville La Lande Les Hauts Vents La Gare back to 22 L'Épinette 23 Vauville summary Houesville Saint-Sauveur-le-Vicomte Sangsurière and Adriennerie Look for 19 20 Flora of alkaline and acid bogs public forest Nature Reserve Doville (orchids, 4 sundews, 1 Hares- tail cotton-grass, Brown beak- 49.37589, -1.59314 2 km - 1h30 49.33318, -1.59100 sedge, 3 Bog asphodel…). Breeding Lapwing and 2 Cur- Look for lew, Bluethroat and various Forest and heath flora (Bell wetland warblers (Grasshopper, heather, Heather, 2 Marsh Sedge…). St.-John’s wort, 3 Bog pimper- Winter roost of Marsh and Hen nel…). harriers. Breeding birds include Middle Passage and wintering aquatic spotted woodpecker, 1 Honey birds (Snipe, Lapwing…). buzzard, Wood and Dartford war- blers and Nightjar…).

1 2 1 2

The 234 hectares of the Saint-Sauveur-le-Vicomte forest are all that re- mains of an ancient Royal estate thought to have covered 2000 hectares. Situated upstream of the Cotentin marshes, the Sangsurière and Adrien- It’s composed mainly of coppice under fine Oak or Beech with a few Pines nerie National Nature Reserve is one of the best preserved peat marshes here and there. There are a few majestic, ancient Beeches in the forest. of the area. Common land belonging to the inhabitants of the four sur- An arboretum brings an exotic touch to the area. Nearby, at the top of the rounding parishes, the marsh has two main parts: a central zone of peat “Mont de ”, heath completes the scene. heath dominated by high grasses, and an outer zone consisting of peat meadows still used by farmers.

3 3 4 La Poterie La Forêt vers Saint- D130 Sauveur-le-Vicomte vers La Faisanderie When to look ? When to look ? Portbail March to July for plants. May to July for plants.

vers D900 February to July for breeding ruisseau April to August for breeding Forêt domaniale de Saint-sauveur St-Sauveur- D215 D 124 le-Vicomte birds. le Gorget birds.

d Marais de l'Anse u P Marais de l'Adriennerie Interpretation trail signposted from on de Catteville Interpretation site on the D137 road Le Paradis t d'Alleaume the D15 road between Saint-Sau- between Saint-Nicolas-de-Pierre- veur-le-Vicomte and Portbail. pont and Saint-Sauveur-de-Pier- Marais de la Sangsurière repont. Guided visits in spring and le Gorget summer. Information : Maison du St-Sauveur- Parc (02.33.71.65.30). Mont de de-Pierrepont vers le Buisson Besneville St-Sauveur- D137 le-Vicomte Les Marais Doville

D15 Le Jardin Boissy D127 Mont de Doville Le Bas Château de St-Nicolas- D900 du Mont Beaulieu Bois d'Etenclin de-Pierrepont back to 24 vers 25 vers Portbail La-Haye-du-Puits summary le Buisson Cap de Other sites to watch wildlife 24 25 Pointe de Barfleur

Cherbourg

21 22 23 24

Île 26 Tatihou LA MANCHE

16 18 Baie 19 P a r c 17 des Veys 27 n a t u r e l 15 Baie du Falaises de Réserve de chasse Pointe de la Hague 20 r é g i o n a l Mont St-Michel 1 14 Isigny-sur-Mer des Marais du 12 Aquatic birds. Migrant passerines Presence of Waterfowl. Nesting seabirds, Pere- Carentan grine… Heathland flora Cotentin et du Bessin 13 Salt-marsh flora. (cabane Vauban). 8 (cliffs and islands). 9 Bayeux A Common seal colony. 2 10 Presence of waterfowl, dune 3 5 flora, amphibians (Mare de 4 7 Vauville reserve). 6 11 28 Migration (at Goury 23

lighthouse). Saint-Lô

25 26 27 28

LA MANCHE Coutances

Granville Phare de Gatteville Anse du cul de loup Pointe du Hoc Forêt de Cerisy Saint-Vaast-la-Hougue Cricqueville-en-Bessin Cerisy-la-Forêt 0 7,5 km Migrant seabirds. Presence of waterfowl. Breeding Kittiwake, Fulmar, Breeding Black and middle Peregrine… spotted woodpeckers, 22 Migration (Criqueville mill). Redstart… Baie du Red deer present. Mont-Saint-Michel 21

26 back to 27 summary Our partners, natural site managers

Association Claude Hettier Fédération Départementale de Boislambert de Pêche de la Manche 02.33.71.56.99 02.33.46.96.50 [email protected] www.peche-manche.com

Centre Permanent d’Initiatives pour l’Environnement du Cotentin Groupe Ornithologique Normand 02.33.46.37.06 02.31.43.52.56 www.cpiecotentin.com www.gonm.org

Conservatoire de l’Espace Littoral et des Rivages Lacustres Office National des Forêts 02.31.15.30.90 02.33.05.11.11 www.conservatoire-du-littoral.fr www.onf.fr

Fédération Départementale Syndicat Mixte des Espaces des Chasseurs de la Manche Littoraux de la Manche 02.33.72.63.63 02.33.05.98.83 www.fdc50.com www.symel.fr

Code of good practice

Whilst watching and studying natural history the welfare of species and their habitats must come first. Disturbance caused to animals or their habitat should be kept to a minimum, espe- cially by keeping a reasonable distance from them in order to avoid birds taking flight or other animals (seals…) leaving their site. Avoid using the top of the beach so as not to crush Kentish plover eggs or chicks (April to August). Respect the rights of local owners, by staying on roads, tracks and paths and avoiding blocking access when parking your vehicle. Respect the rights of others, their activities and work in the countryside and opting for compromise and dialogue. At all times, respect national and regional laws concerning nature conservation (parti- cularly on nature reserves). Please leave your observations with local naturalists groups: nature conservation (the protection of species and sites) can be optimised by the use of more information, if necessary your observations will be kept private.

28 back to summary To find out more

Flore et végétation Les oiseaux nicheurs des M!GRATEURS des marais prairies humides à plumes, à poils, à écailles...

Des marais entre deux mers... Carte touristique Les rendez-vous du Parc Marshlands, between two coastlines... Tourist map The Parc organizes guided The Parc naturel regional in Hikes, natural history and events, at the Maison du Parc pictures, throughout the season water-based activities or in one of the 150 parishes French/English French/English that make up the Parc

These publications are produced by the Parc naturel régional and available at the Maison du Parc (tel. 00 33 (0)2 33 71 65 30), at tourist offices or at www.parc-cotentin-bessin.fr

des Marais du Cotentin et du Bessin Dépôt légal à parution : avril 2012 - Tirage : 5 000 ex. Crédit photo : © C. Lecoq, S. Stauth (CPIE du Cotentin) ; S. Barrault ; T. Bousquet, H. Guitton, M. Provost, S. Rivez (Conservatoire Botanique National de Brest) ; S. Fautré (CDT50) ; Fédération Départementale des Chasseurs de la Manche ; J-M. Gatey ; M. Guérard ; R. Purenne (GONm) ; M. Lagarde, L. Robert (GRETIA) ; T. Houyel ; F. Levalet ; B. Canu, F. Désert, N. Fillol, G. Hédouin, E. Génot, J-M. Lefèvre, R. Pavisse, M. Roche (Pnr Marais du Cotentin et du Bessin) ; L. Gabet, A. Hannok (SyMEL) ; S. Provost. Cartes issues des fichiers BD TOPO® ©IGN - 2012 - Autorisation n° 43-12003 Imprimé sur du papier certifié PEFC avec des encres végétales par l’imprimerie Le Révérend à Valognes.

back to summary Boulogne-sur-Mer

Plymouth

back to Amiens summary

Poole Portsmouth

Cap de la Hague Rosslare Aurigny Pointe Cherbourg de Barfleur

Diélette Ile

Guernesey Tatihou Portsmouth le Havre

Utah Beach Barneville- Baie

Serq Carteret des Veys Portsmouth Baie Isigny-sur-Mer de Seine

Carentan Bayeux

Jersey Caen Saint-Lô Marshlands, Paris-Cherbourg between two coastlines… Coutances

Iles Chausey Paris Granville NORMANDIE

Poole - Portsmouth

Saint-Malo Baie du Avranches Paris-Granville Mont-St-Michel

Brest Chartres Caen-Rennes Sortie Cherbourg 45’ St-Côme-du-Mont Ste-Marie-du-Mont St-Côme-du-Mont Utah-Beach D 913 Rennes Quimper Maison du Parc Le Mans

Caen 60’ Orléans Lorient CARENTAN Maison du Parc naturel régional des Marais du Cotentin et du Bessin D 971 Saint-Lô 30’ Coutances 40’ 3 village Ponts d’Ouve 50500 SAINT-CÔME-DU-MONT Angers 49.321636, -1.265671 Tél. 00 33 (0)2 33 71 65 30 Fax. 00 33 (0)2 33 71 65 31 Tours [email protected] www.parc-cotentin-bessin.frNantes From Easter to the end of September open daily from 9.30 a.m. to 7 p.m. From October to Easter open daily, except on Mondays, from 9.30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 2 p.m. to 5.30 p.m. (the national nature reserve is closed for 2 weeks as from the end of September). Closed annually from the end of December to early January.