Lilleau
des Niges
National Nature Reserve
(Les Portes en Ré, Ré Island, Charente Maritime, France)
A true migratory cross-roads, this reserve managed by the Ligue pour la Protection des Oiseaux-LPO (LPO is the Birdlife Partner in France) covers 195 ha of the Fier d'Ars (bay) on the Ile of Ré, and serves as a migratory stop-over, a breeding and wintering site for more 310 species of birds.
The reserve, created in 1980 on old salines, is composed of pans separated by "bosses" (mounds), connected by a complex hydraulic system. It provide a very important site for birds.
During spring and autumn migration, and winter, ten thousands of birds frequent the reserve. At high tide Dunlins, Redshanks, grey Plovers, and noisy bands of Brent geese gather in the old salt pans of the reserve.
A cycle path runs along the edge of the reserve providing a wonderful opportunity for its discovery. Each year the reserve organises both the "l'oiseau" wich is really a carnival to gather nature lovers together, and also guided visits. The nature centre, at Les Portes en Ré, is open in the summer with free espositions.
Contact : Réserve Naturelle de Lilleau des Niges, 17880 Les Portes en Ré. FRANCE
Tél,Fax : 05 46 29 50 74