The five ponds at Culmont are part of a group of around a hundred ponds, often peaty in nature, scattered across the sandy-clay plateau of Bassigny, isolated in pastures and fields and of very ancient origin (periglacial or Celtic human activity). Given their small surface area (2 to 15 ares), their vegetation is varied: reedbeds, groups of floating plants, rooted aquatic plants, tall sedges, etc. They contain many special plant species, including the marsh potentilla or comaret, a beautiful rosacea with red flowers that is rare in Haute-Marne and Champagne-Ardenne. Dragonflies, batrachians and a variety of birds find this a favourable feeding ground. What's more, these small ponds are a relay for the flora of the boggy environments between the Vosges and Morvan. Their state of conservation is precarious, and they are constantly deteriorating (due to human intervention and encroachment by willows). Only five of the eight ponds present in 1981 are still in good condition (ZNIEFF shrunk).
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Mares des Marchats
