Forêt d'Orient National Nature Reserve

The Forêt d'Orient (Orient Forest) National Nature Reserve (RNN154) is a national nature reserve located in Champagne-Ardenne in the Grand Est region in France. Located within the Orient Forest Regional Natural Park, it was created in 2002 and protects 1,560 hectares of lake and forest areas.[1]

Not to be confused with Orient Forest Regional Natural Park.
Forêt d'Orient National Nature Reserve
IUCN category IV (habitat/species management area)
Temple Lake
LocationRadonvilliers, France
Nearest cityTroyes
Coordinates48°19′12″N 4°23′48″E
Area1,560 ha
EstablishedJuly 9, 2002
Governing bodyOrient Forest Regional Natural Park

Localisation
Temple Lake.

The territory of the nature reserve is located in Aube department in communes of Amance, Brévonnes, Mathaux, Piney and Radonvilliers within Orient Forest Regional Natural Park and 25 km east of Troyes[1]. It includes part of the Orient, Amance and Temple lakes.

History of site and reserve

The great lakes of Seine were set up from the 1960s to protect Paris from floods.[2][3] Their completion in the 1990s allowed the establishment of peripheral natural environments linked to their presence. The protection of these environments was ensured by the creation of the nature reserve in 2002.[4]

Ecology (biodiversity, ecological interest, etc.)
View of Temple Lake from Valois observatory.
Reed beds at Lake Amance.

The site interest is due to its location on the migratory routes of several species of waterbirds. There are mainly 3 main types of environments:

  • lake environments with a fluctuating water level which generates areas of mudflats;
  • grassland environments staggered according to their humidity (meadows, reed beds);
  • forest environments made up of oak woods and charms.

The whole creates very varied habitats.[5]

Flora

The variations in the water level of the lakes and areas of mudflats that result from it generate very rich environments sheltering an aquatic flora. There are remarkable species such as the Ranunculus lingua or the Pulicaria vulgaris[5].

Wildlife

There are around 40 species of mammals frequenting the site. There are also 24 heritage species, including 16 species of bats. Some of the protected species are the wildcat, polecat (Mustela putorius putorius), barbastella as well as the Eurasian otter.

The site is known for its remarkable bird life linked to aquatic or forest environments. It has more than 200 species, 92 of which are nesting. Among migratory species, we find the black stork, greater white-fronted and greylag geese, Bewick's swan (Cygnus columbianus bewickii), Eurasian teal, common goldeneye, smew, etc.

Amphibians include the yellow-bellied toad, fire salamander, and the Northern crested newt. Three heritage species of reptiles are present: the grass snake, the slow-worm and the viviparous lizard[5].

The site is very rich in beetles (800 inventoried species) and dragonflies.

Touristic and educational interest
Orient Lake.

The interior of the nature reserve is closed to the public. Sites on the outskirts, such as the Valois observatory, allow visitors to observe the flora and fauna without disturbing them. Trips to the periphery of the reserve as well as articles published in various journals also allow the public to learn about the actions carried out on the reserve. At Maison du Parc, video cameras installed on the site allow visitors to experience the highlights of the reserve[6]

Administration, management plan, regulations

The nature reserve is managed by the Orient Forest Regional Natural Park.

The nature reserve was created by a decree of July 9, 2002.[7] Its territory also forms part of the following zonings: Zone Ramsar No. 5 « Etangs de la Champagne humide », ZICO n°CA02, ZNIEFF de type I No. 00639 et de type II No. 00640, ZPS « Lacs de la Forêt d'Orient », ZSC « Forêt d'Orient ».

References
  1. Est, Internet DREAL Grand (2019-08-07). "Réserve Naturelle Nationale de la Forêt d'Orient". www.grand-est.developpement-durable.gouv.fr (in French). Retrieved 2020-02-16.
  2. "Le bassin amont de la Seine et ses enjeux | Seine Grands Lacs". www.seinegrandslacs.fr. Retrieved 2020-02-16.
  3. "Quatre lacs-réservoirs | Seine Grands Lacs". www.seinegrandslacs.fr. Retrieved 2020-02-16.
  4. "Réserve Naturelle Forêt D'Orient - Plan de gestion 2013-2017" (PDF). DREAL Grand Est (in French). Retrieved 16 February 2020.
  5. "Forêt d'Orient". Réserves naturelles de France.
  6. "Réserve Naturelle Nationale de la Forêt d'Orient". PNR de la Forêt d'Orient.
  7. "Décret n°2002-996 du 9 juillet 2002 portant création de la réserve naturelle de la forêt d'Orient (Aube)". Legifrance.
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