The Somme Estuary is rich in sites whose potential in terms of expressed biodiversity is real. The Syndicat mixte pour l’Aménagement de la Côte Picarde (SMACOPI), brings a modest contribution against the loss in biodiversity that we are witnessing, in particular by creating artificial landscapes which give nature the ability to regenerate itself.

The creation of the artificial lake at the Maison de l’Oiseau is a significant example.

In September 2003, it was decided to use the dry pasture in front of the Maison de l’Oiseau to create

In accordance with regulations described in the objectives documents, these administrative contracts are set up

with the State and those involved in the management and upkeep of the environment. They set out precisely the tasks to be carried out to preserve and re-establish natural habitat and the species which have motivated the creation of the site. When these contracts are entered into with farmers, they are in the form of territorial farming contracts or of agro-environmental measures.

These contracts benefit from preferential funding conditions under Natura 2000.

2005 grass cutting campaign

The Blanquetaque “renclôtures” (polders), the Authie dunes, the Hâble d’Ault, together with Arry, Bernay and Sailly-Bray marshes, Noyelles grazing land and the Somme Estuary Nature Reserve are all currently being managed, particularly regarding the cutting of grass to be taken away, which guarantees the maintenance of open land. Balanced between the ecological objectives of each site, the availability of labour and equipment and weather constraints, it is a delicate operation. It starts at the end of reproduction and finishes before the Autumn rains.

In 2004, no less than 70 man-days were necessary for this operation. Subcontracting to Lavoine SARL by SMACOPI has produced 200 bales of hay, necessary for livestock winter-feed.

This year, the warden’s training day was held in the Platier d’Oye Nature Reserve... The liveliest debates concerned coastal erosion, visits to the sites and parking areas. Thoughts on regrouping CELRL land into a coherent unit, along geographical and ecological criteria, were also presented. Jérôme BIGNON, President of Rivages de France, reminded the meeting of the Association’s interest in divulging information and its aim in developing powerful tools in matters of experience sharing, for the benefit of all the Conservatoire du Littoral wardens (seashore conservation agency).

Permettre le retour de la diversité biologique

an experimental zone with water levels managed according to seasons and the way of life of different bird species. Similarly to all other wetlands, vegetation is rigorously maintained in order to encourage the development of different plants as well as animals.

Results are rapid and encouraging:

In 2004, 22 pairs of avocets, 36 young, one species of batrachian, aquatic invertebrates... were spotted In 2005, the number of aquatic invertebrates has doubled. Food supply being more abundant, bird numbers have increased (northern pintails, northern shovelers, garganeys, common teals, 29 pairs of avocets and 60 young, 2 pairs of little ringed plovers with 4 young and one pair of stilts) but also curlews and redshanks alighting during migration... On the periphery, a hedge of local young shrubs (hawthorn, elder, hazel, viburnum) attracts small birds and minimises disturbance.

This action contributes to environmental education. The visitors to the Maison de l’Oiseau cannot be wrong, as they demand to see and to know: installation of an observation post is being considered.

contracts for action



	Nouveaux paysages




	The Somme Estuary is rich in sites whose potential in terms of expressed biodiversity is real. The Syndicat mixte pour l’Aménagement de la Côte Picarde (SMACOPI), brings a modest contribution against the loss in biodiversity that we are witnessing, in particular by creating artificial landscapes which give nature the ability to regenerate itself. The creation of the artificial lake at the Maison de l’Oiseau is a significant example. In September 2003, it was decided to use the dry pasture in front of the Maison de l’Oiseau to create


Natura 2000

In accordance with regulations described in the objectives documents, these administrative contracts are set up		with the State and those involved in the management and upkeep of the environment. They set out precisely the tasks to be carried out to preserve and re-establish natural habitat and the species which have motivated the creation of the site. When these contracts are entered into with farmers, they are in the form of territorial farming contracts or of agro-environmental measures. These contracts benefit from preferential funding conditions under Natura 2000.