Wildlife in the countryside
Of course, when the landscapes of a region are varied, so is its biodiversity! In the countryside and in the forests, you will be able to observe barn owls, red squirrels, hinds, roe deers or stags. The bellowing of the king of the forest is a must at the end of the summer, especially in the Ecouves massif. A season in which you can also meet the famous garter snake. As for insects, keep your eyes open: seven-spotted ladybugs, field crickets, large green grasshoppers, dragonflies... the Normandy meadows are perfect spots to observe them. In the ponds, especially in the bocage, amphibians are legion. Toads, green frogs, crested newts, spotted salamanders: these species will no longer hold any secrets for you. In the region's numerous rivers, some fish are a delight for fishermen, such as the fario trout or the pike. They may also be lucky enough to come across a species that is unfortunately threatened: the white-legged crayfish. Coypu are also found in these areas.
It is also important to note that Normandy is a land of breeding. Among the main species that you will be able to discover during your stay: the Cotentin donkey, the goats of the Hague, the Norman cob, the black turkey of Normandy, the Percheron horse, the Norman cow or the lambs that graze in the salt meadows of the Mont-Saint-Michel bay.
Wildlife on the sea side
The Normandy coastline reveals many surprises. Seeing dolphins in the salt water of Honfleur or observing seals in the bay of Mont-Saint-Michel or near Caen in the Orne estuary: it is possible! In addition to these mammals that enjoy the seaside and the fishes that frolic in the salt water, such as the sea bream or the mackerel, it is impossible not to mention the shellfish that take the lead here. At low tide, the long beaches of the Normandy coast are a magnificent playground for those who like to observe them. Whelks, periwinkles, curlers, grey shrimps, crab cakes, clams, cockles and many others intrigue young and old alike. It should be noted that there are many people who enjoy fishing on foot in the area and that the high tides (ask for the dates) are always very popular. Normandy oysters and Barfleur mussels, particularly renowned for their flavor, are highly prized and are farmed. If you want to know more, visit one of the bird sanctuaries in Tatihou, Tombelaine or the Gros Banc near Caen.
Eyes up
A multitude of bird species cross the changing skies of Normandy. From the woodcock to the whistling duck, from the stork to the oak jay, without forgetting the chimney swallow, the blue tit or the green woodpecker: many birds live in the region. On the sea side, herring gulls, black-legged kittiwakes, brant geese and great cormorants reveal their attractions. These birds particularly appreciate the cliffs which offer them many nesting places. To better observe them, put on your binoculars and arm yourself with patience. To learn more, many sites inform the general public and offer nature walks. Like the observatory of the natural reserve of the Seine estuary, the marshes of Ver-sur-Mer or the House of the migratory bird in Carolles.
The beauty of the flora
Nature is generous, and the flora of Normandy is no exception. More than 1,000 species take root here. Mistletoe, ash, hellebore, holly, two-styled hawthorn, yew, beech, oak, meadow sweetgrass, violet, Le Gall gorse, iberis, snowdrop, wood hyacinth... Between bocage, plains, estuaries, dunes or cliffs, not forgetting the forest massifs: the diversity of places associated with a mild, humid climate, and a geological diversity between limestone and chalk, has enabled a varied vegetation to emerge in the region. This vegetation requires a great deal of attention, as it is the refuge of numerous species. Regional nature parks are ideal sites for observing local flora, as are sensitive natural areas. Each of Normandy's five départements has a large number of very active volunteers who raise public awareness of current sustainable development issues.
Nature park identity card
Culture and nature: two words that take on their full importance within the four regional nature parks in Normandy. In order to protect this precious heritage, these structures located in the heart of rural territories with a fragile balance are organized around a sustainable development project and a "Park Charter". Sustainable development, adapted management of natural environments, quality of life and public information are their main missions. True identity cards of their territory, they are privileged places to make visitors aware of the wealth and importance of biodiversity.
Along the famous river, the natural park of the loops of the Norman Seine is located between Rouen and Le Havre. Beyond the famous bridges of Tancarville and Normandy, the 180 km of loops offer magnificent viewpoints. At the Maison du Parc, located in a former farmhouse in Notre-Dame-de-Bliquetit, a discovery trail has been set up around a conservatory orchard, traditional hedges and marshes.
The Normandie-Maine regional nature park is located in the Orne and Manche departments. Thanks to its mountainous terrain, the region has many paths between the bocage and the forest. This is an opportunity for hikers to discover the rich heritage. Like the castle of Carrouges, located just a step away from the Maison du Parc.
Nature has definitely its letters of nobility in the Orne since it has a second park in the Perche. On the road of the manors and the small villages of the region, which preserved an authentic character, go to the manor of Courboyer. It is here, on a site of 65 hectares, that the Maison du Parc proposes to discover the diversity of its landscapes.
The regional natural park of the Cotentin and Bessin marshes, La Maison du Parc, covers approximately 150,000 hectares. The nature walk in the ornithological reserve of the Maison du Parc, a stone's throw from Carentan-les-Marais, reveals a sample of the beauty of nature in the region.
Natura 2000 and Sensitive Natural Areas
Protecting habitats and species representative of biodiversity in Europe: this is the challenge of the Natura 2000 network. In Normandy, there are more than 90 of them and they represent a surface area of about 800,000 hectares. Wetlands, coastlines, rivers, hedgerows, limestone hillsides... In total, one third of the region's municipalities are concerned by an area of this type. These are all protected areas where visitors can discover the amazing biodiversity of Normandy. The region also has 6 regional nature reserves. Not to mention the many sensitive natural areas where the fauna and flora that were threatened with extinction are once again being maintained. Thanks to the restoration and preservation of these areas, biodiversity is regaining its credentials and actions aimed at the public are organized. These educational visits are opportunities to raise awareness among young and old about the challenges of sustainable development and the preservation of all environments.
Majestic forests
Normandy may be known for its beaches and its coastline, but it is also a region rich in forest areas. In total, there are no less than 400,000 hectares of forest (a quarter of which are public), mainly in the departments of Orne and Seine-Maritime. It should be noted that the department of La Manche is, on the contrary, the least forested in France. This large area - 13% of the Normandy territory is covered by forests - is a real green lung and a natural area essential for the development of local flora and fauna. It is also an important economic sector, as beautiful tree species grow on the region's land. The National Forestry Office pays great attention to the reasoned management of the forest areas, which are mostly composed of hardwoods. From the forest of Bellême to the forest of Ecouves in the Orne, through the forest of Cerisy classified as a Natura 2000 area in Calvados or the green forest near Rouen, this natural heritage of Normandy is also worth a visit.
Remarkable gardens
Lovers of plants and other flowers open their doors to you! In the five departments of Normandy, private owners of parks and other nature areas labeled "remarkable gardens" invite visitors to discover the flora. These places are as many opportunities to admire the beauty of nature as the know-how of these green-fingered enthusiasts. This label aims to distinguish gardens and parks that present a cultural, aesthetic, botanical or even historical interest. In the region, you are spoiled for choice: the gardens of Etretat or the gardens of Bellevue in Beaumont-le-Hareng in Seine-Maritime, the garden of the manor of Argences in Saussey or the botanical garden of the castle of Vauville in the Manche, garden of the Petite Rochelle in Rémalard or the retired garden in Bagnoles-de-l'Orne in Orne, garden of the Pays d'Auge in Cambremer or park of the castle of Vendeuvre in Calvados, garden of the Claude-Monet Foundation in Giverny or gardens and rose garden of the castle in Miserey in Eure.
