Lafarge Granulats Ouest (Les Granulats d’Aquitaine)

Objective

Following the extraction of a quarry, the site was rehabilitated so that birds and European pond terrapin could recolonize the site.

Context

The quarry of Villeton was extracted and has been rehabilitated in the 1990s. The more recent quarry of Lagruyère is extracted since 1990.

Both sites are located near a former meander of the river Garonne and a migration corridor. This area, la Maziere, is a wetland unique for its biodiversity and managed by the National Nature Reserve of the Maziere (SEPANLOG).

Solution

The extraction and rehabilitation have been carried out with the cooperation of the National Nature Reserve of the Maziere (SEPANLOG - Société pour l’Etude, la Protection et l’Aménagement de la Nature en Lot et Garonne).

Result

It is currently being investigated whether the quarry of Villeton might be classified as a natural area. The recolonization of the site was very quick, and more than 230 bird species were observed. The European pond terrapin also colonized the area.

On the quarry of Lagruyère birds are starting to colonize the rehabilitated areas but also the areas being currently extracted.

The new wetlands created will allow the nature reserve of la Maziere to expand.

Partners

National Nature Reserve of the Maziere (SEPANLOG).