The ZNIEFF covers part of the headwaters of a wide valley and its north-facing slope. The slopes are wooded with a variety of forest types. The communal tufa marsh (approximately 7 hectares), which occupies most of the area, is typical of the Langres Plateau: it is located on the north-facing slope, with a small tufa at the upstream springs.
For nature lovers:
Vegetation:
The vegetation is characteristic of this type of environment (schoenaie with black choin and perennial swertie, phragmitaie, moliniaie, fringing ash grove) with rare species, two of which are protected in Champagne-Ardenne, the aconit napel and the perennial swertie (the localities located on the Langres Plateau constituting, along with those in the Côte d'Or, the only island on the French plain, far removed from the main distribution area of the species). The species is also on the red list of threatened plants in Champagne-Ardenne.
Fauna:
The entomofauna, and more particularly the dragonflies, contain some uncommon species with the bidentate cordulégastre, a rare mountain species throughout France, the ringed cordulégastre, the tawny dragonfly and the yellow-spotted cordulie, all four of which are on the red list of Odonata in Champagne-Ardenne. The wild, isolated coomb is frequented by large mammals.
The site is in good condition following management work carried out in 1991 (with partial filling in of the drains and removal of shrubbery) before a Biotope Protection Order was issued in 1992. Since its restoration, it has become one of the best preserved and most landscaped marshes in the area, but management needs to continue.
Undeveloped site (stay on the signposted footpath)
Access reserved for an informed and respectful public
Marais de la combe des Riots
