🌿Exploring the biodiversity of Volvestre !
Sensitive natural area
🌿 The Domaine de la Terrasse is one of the 20 Sensitive Natural Areas in Haute-Garonne due to its exceptional biodiversity. More than 2 hectares are classified to protect and enhance this site. Many protected species live there, including :
🦦10 species of mammals: otters and 9 species of bats
🦉25 species of birds
🦇Too, a 400 m² cave is home to a large colony of bats, an important habitat for these nocturnal animals.
You can aexplore the site through the hike “La balade des remparts”. Feel free to contact the Domaine de la Terrasse to plan your outing.
La retenue de Manciès
The Garonne River is home to a reed bed at the Manciès reservoir, on the banks of Rieux-Volvestre. This habitat was restored by local schoolchildren in 2015.
🐟Since then, this dense vegetation on the surface of the water has attracted many animals : water bugs, mayflies, dragonflies, crustaceans, freshwater snails, frogs and even fish live there.
👀 An observation post has been set up to watch the birds that live in the reed bed. Hidden behind this shelter, you can observe them discreetly! Picnic tables also allow you to enjoy this haven of nature.
🏔️Beyond this remarkable habitat, it is one of the most beautiful landscapes in the Volvestre region! On the opposite bank, in Salles-sur-Garonne, you can watch the sailing boats, the Garonne River and the Pyrenees mountain in the background.
Lake Peyssies
🦆 The small lake of Peyssies, classified as a natural area of ecological, faunistic and floristic interest (ZNIEFF), is home of herons. But that’s not all! This wooded island have a lot of nests of several species, such as:
- The black-crowned night heron – Nycticorax nycticorax (10 couples)
- The Little Egret – Egretta garzetta (4 couples)
- The cattle egrets – Ardea Ibis (550 couples)
🔭This lake is a paradise for bird lovers. In the shade of the weeping willows, you can observe these different species with the naked eye or with the aid of a telescope.
🌷Also, the large lake of Peyssies, just nearby, is home to the famous Fritillaria meleagris, a rare and protected flower, in the meadows of its southern part.
Our remarkable flowers
🪻With its diverse landscape, the Volvestre region is ideal for growing many different flowers. Between the plains and hillsides, the Garonne, Arize and Lèze rivers, various meadows stretch out and are home to remarkable flowers such as :
- The snake’s head fritillary: a rare, localised and protected species in Haute-Garonne, it can be observed in Volvestre, particularly at Lake Peyssies.
- The lady tulip, tulipa clusiana : a nationally protected species, the population of Montesquieu-Volvestre is one of the largest in the region!
🐝Many species of orchids also flourish in our meadows: goat, bee, military, hangman, woodcock… they all have their own specific names in French. Feel free to consult the educational panel at Mailholas to find out more!
Our protected areas
🌳In order to protect the ecosystems of our beautiful region, several areas have been classified like our lakes, rivers, moors and cliffs. In total, the Volvestre region have :
- 2 Natura 2000 area to protect rivers
- 10 ZNIEFF (area of ecological, faunistic and floristic interest) to guard different environments
- 3 prefectural decrees for biotope protection
- 1 Sensitive Natural Area at the Domaine de
la Terrasse
Classified as a territory committed to nature, an intercommunal biodiversity atlas was produced between 2022 and 2024. Discover the incredible animals and plants of Volvestre!
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