Les Abattis nature reserve in Sainte-Marie

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Presentation

1. Location and accessIn the valley of the Semois, there are eleven nature reserves, with a surface of about 220 ha. The area of the reserve "Les Abattis" is about 24 ha.The site and the nature reserve of Abattis are situated in Sainte-Marie sur Semois, stradding the districts of Etalle and Tintigny. The access in the reserve is under the guidance of a curator.2. Status of the siteStatus of protection: the nature reserve is currently recognized.The site is recognized as a Special Zone of Preservation of the European network "Natura 2000". It constitutes a core zone of the Special Protection Zone "sinémurienne" according to the European directive in favour of birds.This nature reserve, covering 24 hectares, is not far from the current bed of the Semois. An oxbow lake from the river gave life to this particular area where flora and fauna now flourish in a tranquil setting.Work on developing and straightening the bed of the Semois in the 19th century caused this oxbow lake to form which is now fed by springs. The site is one of the most remarkable wetlands of Belgian Lorraine.Many types of birds can be found here: herons, kingfishers, bullfinches, goldfinches, black storks... and also beavers and dragonflies.The flora is also remarkable, particularly due to the presence of plants specific to the marshes (water lilies and water violets) and orchids such as platanthera and the protected epipactis.

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