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  Just
a kilometre of so away is a nature reserve (left)
where you may even be
lucky and see a rare bird or
mammal.
(It is necessary to book well in advance for this). More
details about the nature reserve can be found below.
You could even
hire a boat or canoe for a
while.
Or,
if you like fishing, why not have a quiet, restful day
trying for some carp in the lovely
Canal Latéral
just at the back of the accommodation. We'll even hire you a
rod and line.
And, with a car, the département is your oyster! Just
click
here to see what's
available to photograph, sketch, paint, or simply sit and
admire.
 La réserve
naturelle
de l'étang de la mazière is just
2 kms
across open
country from "Les Peupliers".
This
reserve represents the last vestige of the natural historic
landscape of the Garonne valley (i.e. pre-Common Market
agriculture). In fact, the environment is unique in
the whole of the region
of
Aquitaine. This may not sound
too impressive, until you realise that the region of
Aquitaine covers a little over 41,000 square kilometres, an area
roughly similar in size to Switzerland.
The reserve is
home to 230 species of plants, 500 species of insects, 15
species of fish, 10 species of reptiles and 7 species of
amphibians. 195 species of birds are either nesting or
migratory/winter visitors here and 72 of these are protected
species.
There are hides from which you can observe the
wildlife.
 Above, in a heavily shaded clearing in the woods, a
"Les Peupliers" a guest
singles out the individual call of a nightingale with a uni-directional,
parabolic microphone whilst Jill receives an explanation on
the bird's habitat from one of the reserve's guides.
Because the reserve
is such an important and fragile environment and,
because it is a haven for many protected species,
public access is strictly prohibited, unless by prior
appointment (when it is accompanied).
If you would like to visit the reserve, please let us
know well in advance and we will arrange a visit for
you. If you have binoculars and have room for them in
your luggage, please bring them!
Note for photographers :
if you are contemplating taking photos of
animals/birds at the reserve, you will need a 300 mm
lens as a minimum. |
