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France - Creation of a Regional Nature Reserve (RNR) on
the Séverins Meadow
Location and Situation
Quarry site of La Couronne
Targets and Aims
The main objective was to preserve one of the last calcareous grasslands in the Angoulême
area, a vestige of the original 19th century landscapes.
Rehabilitation Activities
The La Couronne plant has been exploiting a calcareous slope since 1930. A calcareous
meadow situated south of the quarry site and partly covered by the quarry planning permit
had never been exploited and had therefore been left unscathed. This grassland is one of the
most notable calcareous grasslands in Central-Western France.
A number of ecological surveys were carried out in this area by the “Conservatoire Regional
des Espaces Naturels” (CREN), ENCEM and the Charente Nature environmental association
between 1996 and 1998. These surveys identified 19 threatened plant species, including 8
protected species. Twelve orchid species were also identified. The fauna includes many
sensitive species, rare species and species that are seriously regressing at the regional level
such as the Tawny Pipit or the Large Blue butterfly. Covering a surface area of 16.5 ha, this
grassland, property of Lafarge, was converted into a Voluntary Nature Reserve in 2000.
Management of the area was entrusted to CREN as per a management agreement signed
on 11th May 2000.
CREN implemented a number of measures to ensure the
conservation of the calcareous grassland. The area was
cleared and pines were cut down to restore the site. Then
CREN introduced a grazing-based management system as
the site was probably a pasture in the past. The project was
set up with the “Oisellerie” agricultural vocational school
from La Couronne and since 2007 ewes have been allowed
to feed on the grassland a few months per year.
Lafarge and CREN also worked to raise public awareness of
this unique heritage and introduced a number of public
awareness-raising and promotional actions aimed at the
local population. Every year, Charente Nature organises a
number of events for the general public and school children
from neighbouring villages. For safety reasons due to the
nearby presence of the quarry site, public access is only
allowed during these specific events.
In 2010, the Poitou-Charente Regional Council proposed to start a procedure for the site to
be listed as a Regional Nature Reserve.
When renewing the quarry planning permission in 2011, Lafarge decided to withdraw the
“Chaumes des Séverins” area from the quarry perimeter, thus voluntarily relinquishing 15
years of authorised exploitation.
The listing procedure was completed at the end of 2012, the Chaumes des Séverins area
thus becoming the “Chaumes des Séverins Regional Nature Reserve”.
Results
This voluntary relinquishment of quarrying rights made it possible to preserve an emblematic
landscape from the end of the 19th century in the “Angoulême” area. It also contributed to
reinforcing a long-term partnership with stakeholders (supervisory administration, CREN,
Charente Nature, local residents, etc.). The site contributes to promoting agricultural
vocational training thanks to the partnership with the Oisellerie vocational school
(maintenance and pastures) and helps improve communication on biodiversity and the
conservation of habitats and wildlife with school children and the general public.
Partners
Conservatoire Régional des Espaces Naturels (CREN) and the Charente Nature
environmental association
For further information
Mirabelle Larrive: [email protected]
Jean-Christophe Fauchadour : [email protected]
Patrick Vergnaud : [email protected]