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Natura 2000 sites to explore in the Brive basin

In response to the continuing degradation of natural habitats and the threat of extinction facing many wild species, the Council of the European Communities adopted the Habitats Directive on 21 May 1992.

The primary aim of the directive is to encourage the maintenance of biodiversity, conserving habitats, fauna and flora while taking account of economic, social, cultural and regional requirements.

It contributes to the objective of sustainable development.

There are 3 Natura 2000 sites in the Brive basin .

Natura 2000 site: Ruisseau du Moulin de Vignols valley.

This site (Special Area of Conservation) covers an area of 322 ha. Located in the extreme north of the Brive Basin, this area is a contact zone between the sedimentary basin of Aquitaine and the metamorphic rocks of the Massif Central. The site is characterised by its rich ecology. The diversity of soils and land uses reflects the geomorphological complexity of the area. There are deciduous coppices and chestnut and apple orchards, as well as mesophilic grasslands on the upper slopes and wet meadows at the bottom of the valleys. This mosaic of semi-natural environments is particularly favourable to numerous animal species of Community interest. Of particular note is the presence of the Yellow-bellied Sounder in the ephemeral pools.

The State and Europe, in partnership with local stakeholders, are committed to this site, whose main conservation objectives are to

  • the development of specific management on the megaphorbia plots, the only natural habitat on the site and the habitat of the Damier de la Succise.
  • maintaining the natural features of the landscape (restoring or creating hedges, maintaining farm ponds, restoring riverbanks).

Contemplate and explore the Vignols site

Two signposted trails run through this Natura 2000 area:

The topoguide is on sale at Brive Tourist Office (from 6 March).

Abîmes de la Fage Natura 2000 site

The gouffre de la Fage is located in the commune of Noailles (Corrèze), to the north of the causse de Martel and not far from the Brive sandstone basin. The Natura 2000 site's perimeter is limited to the main sinkhole, but is actually made up of the galleries of a former underground river. These are home tolarge colonies of hibernating and breedingbats. The Gouffre de la Fage is the most remarkable bat site in the Limousin and one of 32 considered to be priority sites in France.

Bats living in the Gouffre de La Fage, one of the nature reserves near Brive-La-Gaillarde in Corrèze.

14 of the 26 Limousin species take refuge there in winter, with numbers approaching 5,000 (19,000 in the past). In addition, the Gouffre de La Fage is not only a hibernation site, but also a major calving ground: 5 species of high conservation value breed there, again forming colonies of several thousand individuals (4,500). The abysses of the Fage are partially open to the public and are visited by around 13,000 people every year. Visits, which are restricted to part of the site, are forbidden from 1 November to 31 March in order to preserve the peace and quiet of the bats. In addition to its geological and chiropterological interest, this is a remarkable palaeontological site with many Pleistocene fossils.

Visit the Gouffre de La Fage

  • Divided into two galleries, the gouffre de la Fage features beautiful draperies in a variety of colours, richly decorated calcite bridges, a multitude of stalactites, columns and fantastic figures, and a palaeontological deposit.
  • The self-guided tour is both fun and educational, allowing visitors to discover the wonders of the underground world at their own pace.
  • Open from April to November

Natura 2000 site: limestone grasslands and forests of the Causse Corrézien

The Natura 2000 site belongs to the Causse Corrézien, a small natural region in the Brive Basin. This small causse can be linked to the Causse de Martel, which can be found further south in the Lot and Dordogne departments.

two-person walk on the Pelee mountain

The site has a great diversity of environments, which is linked to different climatic conditions. This richness is the result of diversified ecological conditions: soil, light, temperature, humidity, etc. Gradually, on the site as in the commune as a whole, farming activity is declining, leading to the area being closed off. Maintaining or even restoring mowing and grazing activities is essential to preserving the natural heritage of this area. A Prefectoral Biotope Protection Order prohibits, among other things, wild camping, the use of motorised vehicles and the gathering of species on the site. These activities cause major damage and disturbance to the natural environment.

Take a walk on the Causse Corrézien

The Causse Corrézien can be explored on foot or by mountain bike.

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