Forêt d'Orient National Nature Reserve
The Forêt d'Orient National Nature Reserve is a national nature reserve located in Champagne-Ardenne in the Grand Est region in France. Located within the Orient Forest Regional Natural Park, it was created in 2002 and protects 1,560 hectares of lake and forest areas.
Localisation
The territory of the nature reserve is located in Aube department in communes of Amance, Brévonnes, Mathaux, Piney and Radonvilliers within Orient Forest Regional Natural Park and 25 km east of Troyes. It includes part of the Orient, Amance and Temple lakes.History of site and reserve
The Great Seine Lakes were created from the 1960s to protect Paris from floods. Their completion in the 1990s allowed the establishment of peripheral natural environments linked to their presence. The protection of these environments was ensured by the creation of the nature reserve in 2002.Ecology (biodiversity, ecological interest, etc.)
The interest in the site arises from its location on the migratory routes of several species of waterbirds. There are three main types of environment:- lake environments with a fluctuating water level which generates areas of mudflats;
- grassland environments positioned according to their humidity ;
- forest environments made up of oaks and hornbeams.
Flora
The variations in the water level of the lakes, and the areas of mudflats that result from them, generate very rich environments sheltering an aquatic flora. There are remarkable species such as Ranunculus lingua and ''Pulicaria vulgaris.''Wildlife
There are around 40 species of mammals frequenting the site. There are also 24 heritage species, including 16 species of bats. Protected species include the wildcat, polecat, barbastella as well as the Eurasian otter.The site is known for its remarkable bird life linked to aquatic or forest environments. It has more than 200 species, 92 of which are nesting. Among migratory species, we find the black stork, greater white-fronted and greylag geese, Bewick's swan, Eurasian teal, common goldeneye, smew, etc.
Amphibians include the yellow-bellied toad, the fire salamander, and the Northern crested newt. Three heritage species of reptile are present: the grass snake, the slow-worm and the viviparous lizard.
The site is very rich in beetles and dragonflies.