Hikers, lovers of breaths of Loire air, the nature reserve offers three trails along the Loire to visit in summer but also in winter with seasonal discoveries that you might not have thought of.
Before going on exploration, let’s see the three trails together with Nicolas Pointecouteau, curator of the RN.
1. The island trail in Pouilly-sur-Loire
“The island trail, in Pouilly-sur-Loire, winds over an old island from the turn of the century, which is attached to the shore following progressive deposits of sand, gravel and pebbles. Interesting for its emblematic landscapes of the Loire of the islands, the path allows to have an overview of the mosaic of natural environments created by the river. It takes 1 hour to cover the 3.5 km ”.
Six ideas for walks in the heart of winter in the Bertranges
2. The Saulières trail in Herry
“Former motocross ground rehabilitated, the Saulières trail is the most intimate of the three on offer. It offers a dive in the heart of forest environments, and allows you to reach a secondary branch of the Loire. Opposite, an old arm is gradually colonized by willows and poplars. Become rich wetlands, they welcome frogs, newts and dragonflies during their reproduction. Duration of the course of 1 km, 45 minutes ”.
3. The “Water and Trees” trail
in La Charité-sur-Loire
“After having skirted the main branch by the Clemenceau and Foch quays, you enter the characteristic atmosphere of the alluvial softwood forest. This forest is composed in particular of willows and black poplars which are the first trees to settle on the sandbanks. By joining the Chemin de la Pointe, we find dry meadows and lawns. It takes 2 hours and 15 minutes to do the 5 km ”.
Things to see in winter on these three routes
You will be able to observe cohorts of small birds, blue tit, long tailed tit, robin, finch, goldfinch and other passerines. There is strength in unity against predators such as birds of prey or cats … “Rarer, the garden creeper, insectivorous with its curved beak,” says the expert.
Winter is also an opportunity to see the great Loire and its secondary channels come back to life by filling with water. Sandbanks have also disappeared from the landscape.
In winter, the disappearance of the leaves makes it easier to observe “old trees”, in particular black poplars, “king trees” of alluvial forests. “Are these ecosystems all by themselves ?! They can offer drinkers with holes in their bark, offer shelter to bats in their trunks, coexist with other species of trees and lianas. “Ivy, which is not a parasite, can be associated with poplar, but also with willow which will have taken root between two branches with a lot of soil,” explains Nicolas. Take the opportunity to discover ancient bird nests, from blackbirds to the highly prized yellow sparrow.
As for the winter flora, while strolling on the dry meadows, you will be able to meet clematis lianas and their white flower balls, snowdrops but also berry trees such as European charcoal or rosehips which denote with their red fruits. .
You have to be extremely discreet to see animals. With their highly developed sense of smell, they can sense your presence from “miles” away … Otherwise, you can still fall back on their tracks in the wetlands of the trails or in the snow. It’s up to you to recognize the deer, fox, badger, beaver or otter footprints… Have a nice walk ?!
Some recommendations to follow
– The Loire is a capricious river: be very careful during high water periods.
– The alluvial forest evolves naturally: during your walks in the forest, be attentive to any falling branches, especially in the event of strong winds.
– Do not get too close to eroded banks to avoid falling into the water.
– Dogs are not allowed because their smell and appearance are reminiscent of a predator. They are a source of disturbance for large fauna and birds.
Infos. On the site of the nature reserve.
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Frédéric dumaillet
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