Natura 2000 sites to explore in the Brive Basin
In response to the continued degradation of natural habitats and the threat of extinction weighing on many wild species, the Council of the European Communities adopted, on May 21, 1992, the “Habitats” directive.
The primary aim of the directive is to promote the maintenance of biodiversity, conserve habitats, fauna and flora while taking into account economic, social, cultural and regional requirements.
It contributes to the objective of sustainable development.
On the Brive basin site, we have 3 Natura 2000 sites.
Natura 2000 site: valley of Ruisseau du Moulin de Vignols.
This site (special conservation area) has an area of 322 ha. Located in the extreme north of the Brive Basin, this sector corresponds to a contact zone between the Aquitaine sedimentary basin and the metamorphic rocks of the Massif Central. Great ecological wealth characterizes this site. There soil diversity and their tenure patterns reflect the geomorphological complexity of this place. We thus find deciduous copses and chestnut orchards and apple treesbut also mesophilic grasslands high slopes and wet meadows at the bottom of valleys. This mosaic of semi-natural environments is particularly favorable to numerous animal species of community interest. Note the presence of Yellow-bellied Ringer in ephemeral pools.
The State and Europe, in partnership with local stakeholders, are committed to this site, the main conservation objectives of which are:
- the development of specific management on megaphorbia plots, the only natural habitat of the site and habitat of the Succise Checkerboard.
- the maintenance of natural elements of the landscape (restoration or creation of hedges, maintenance of agricultural ponds, restoration of banks).
Contemplate and explore the Vignols site
Two marked trails run through this Natura 2000 area:
- the Le Bert circuit (9 km)
- the Les Bardissières circuit (4.5 km)
The topoguide is on sale at the reception of the Brive Tourist Office (from March 6)
Abîmes de la Fage Natura 2000 site
The Gouffre de la Fage is located in the commune of Noailles (Corrèze), north of the Causse de Martel and not far from the sandstone basin of Brive. The perimeter of the Natura 2000 site is limited to the main sinkhole but is actually made up of the galleries of an ancient underground river. These hostlarge bat colonies during hibernation and reproduction. The Fage chasm is the most remarkable bat roost in Limousin and one of the 32 sites considered priority in France.
14 of the 26 Limousin species find refuge there in winter with numbers approaching 5000 individuals (19000 in the past). Furthermore, the Gouffre de La Fage does not only constitute a hibernation roost but also a birthing site of prime importance: 5 species with high heritage value reproduce there, again forming colonies of several thousand individuals. (4500). The Fage abysses are partially open to the public and visited by around 13000 people each year. Visits, restricted to part of the site, are prohibited from November 1 to March 31 in order to preserve the peace of the bats. Apart from its geological and chiropterological interest, it is a remarkable paleontological site with numerous Pleistocene fossils.
Visit the Gouffre de La Fage
- Divided into two galleries, the Fage chasm presents beautiful draperies in varied colors, richly decorated calcite bridges, a multitude of stalactites, columns and fantastic figures and a paleontological deposit.
- On a self-guided tour, a layout that is both fun and educational allows everyone to discover the wonders of the underground world, at their own pace.
- Open from April to November
Natura 2000 site: limestone lawns and forests of the Causse Corrézien
The Natura 2000 site belongs to the Causse Corrézien, a small natural region in the Brive Basin. This small causse can be linked to the Causse de Martel, which is found further south in the Lot department and in the Dordogne.
The site has a great diversity of environments which is linked to different climatic conditions. This wealth is the result of diversified ecological conditions: soil, light, temperature, humidity, etc. Gradually, on the site as throughout the commune, agricultural activity is in decline, leading to a closure of the space. The maintenance, or even the return, of mowing and grazing activities are nevertheless essential to preserve the natural heritage of this territory. A Prefectural Biotope Protection Order prohibits, among other things, wild camping, the passage of motorized vehicles and the gathering of species from the site. In fact, these activities lead to major damage and disruption to the natural environment.
Take a walk on the Causse Corrézien
The Causse Corrézien can be discovered Strolling along or Moutain Biking.
- Several hiking trails allow you to explore the Causse: the 3 villages circuit (14 km), the slopes of Lac du Causse (17.7 km), Causse and valley (22 km)... Don't hesitate to get the topoguide at the Tourist Office.
- You can also explore the Causse by mountain bike. Didn't bring your equipment with you? No problem: a mountain bike rental base is available in season at Lac du Causse. (More)
- 14 mountain bike circuits are offered: download the map
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