Semi-natural dry grassland where it is relatively easy to spot remarkable orchids in season.
Undeveloped site
Access reserved for an informed and respectful public
For nature lovers:
This ZNIEFF contains one of the last large expanses of mesophilic plateau grassland in Haute-Marne, associated with valleys, springs, low marshes and a pond. Its surface area (the largest grassland in the south of the département) and its wealth of flora make it one of the fifteen most interesting grasslands in Haute-Marne. It is home to three species that are protected in Champagne-Ardenne: the whitish helianthemum, the narrow-segmented buttercup and the rock violet. All three are on the regional red list of plants, as are four other species found on the site. These are the common carline, the Apennine helianthemum and two orchids, the spider orchid and the burnt orchid (not seen again recently).
Fauna:
The fauna is also well represented (insects, reptiles, birds). Ten rare species of dragonfly frequent the site (ringed cordulégastre, bidentate cordulégastre, spring aeshne, gomphe vulgaire, tawny dragonfly, dryade leste, yellow-spotted cordulie, metallic cordulie, brown orthétrum and bluish orthétrum), as well as six different species of grasshopper and cricket on the regional red list of Orthoptera (white-spotted platyceis, blue oedipod, small-winged decticelle, bloody cricket, mountain cricket, etc.)...). The praying mantis and the small mountain cicada can also be found here. The smooth coronet, which is on the red list of reptiles in Champagne-Ardenne, can be seen here. Breeding birds include the European nightjar, which is on the regional red list.
This typical area, which is in good condition, benefits from a number of protective measures (APB dated 05/06/89, leased by Nature Haute-Marne, site selected under the Habitats Directive), with ongoing management of the leased part and ONF management of the communal part. However, energetic management is needed to restore a large part of the overgrown grassland.
Pelouse des sources de la Suize
