Want to spend some time outdoors observing nature, fauna and flora? We tell you about our discovery of the Montaris marsh, between Salles-Courbatiès and Villeneuve d'Aveyron!
Rémi Garrigou welcomes us to Salles-Courbatiès, a small village in the Aveyron region, 8 minutes from Villeneuve and 20 minutes from Villefranche-de-Rouergue . Rémi is a river technician for the Célé-Lot Median Basin Syndicate and works on river management. For 15 years, he has been involved in the management, maintenance, and analysis of streams and rivers, including the Diège, which originates here in the heart of the Montaris marsh… Needless to say, he knows a great deal about the places we are going to explore!
The Montaris marsh, a beneficial wetland!
Without giving away too much about the visit, we first learn that the Montaris marsh is a rare example of a limestone marsh in the region. Like an oasis in a desert, this wetland is full of advantages: water storage, flood and drought mitigation, natural filtration… Its role is crucial!
The Montaris marsh, like an oasis in a desert..."
Observation of fauna and flora
As we walk, Rémi tells us about the plant species in the marsh. Today, willows and reeds mainly occupy this environment, but this has not always been the case!
In the past, large poplar trees were grown here for timber production. This was without taking into account the staggering consumption of these specimens: up to 500l of water per day! Due to human intervention, they finally gave way to more adapted vegetation which promotes hydraulic management, water quality and very high biodiversity!
And what joy to observe this biodiversity today, to the rhythm of birdsong !
Rémi knows them well from traveling through the marsh. At his side, we discover in preview that the European oriole is back after a few months spent on the African continent. This beautiful bird with yellow plumage is less discreet than the great bittern which, once erected like an “i” on its stilts, manages to blend in with the reeds. You may not see all these species flying, but listen closely to the song of the nightingale, the chiffchaff, the red-legged partridge or the moorhen!
We also observe flowers and plants which punctuate the green landscape with touches of yellow and mauve. The great fluke buttercup, a protected species which thrives in the open area of the marsh or the male orchis also called grass snake...
Built heritage serving nature
Speaking of snakes… They appreciate this environment too! We discover that the pretty stone huts and dovecotes , remnants of the Causse 's rich agricultural past , now provide shelter for hedgehogs and small reptiles. Asp vipers and smooth snakes, although frightening to some, also have their role to play.
Built heritage and natural heritage coexist during this discovery walk of the Montaris marshes which has even more surprises in store for you!
Mairie Route de la Diège 12260 Salles-Courbatiès
My itinerary
Themes
