Profiling France - the Ilon Marsh

General description

In France, A Rocha has established its base at the Ilon Marsh in the Vallée des Baux, close to Arles in Provence. The Ilon Marsh forms part of the Crau Wetlands, which are the result of the ancient floodplains of the Rivers Durance and Rhone. The marsh area is made up of wet grasslands, continental salt meadows, pools and marshes and is home to several species of birds and other plants and animals.

Importance for conservation

The Ilon Marsh is part of the Crau Wetlands Natura 2000 site. Areas receive this European designation to ensure the conservation of important types of habitat, plant or animal. The Ilon Marsh area is important due to several of the habitat types to be found, and is also home to the Jersey Tiger Moth, European Pond Terrapin, and the rare dragonfly shown in the photograph opposite. The site also has nesting birds such as the European Roller, Little and Great Egret and Purple Heron.

Conservation concerns

The main threats to Ilon include agricultural intensification, loss of pasture to other uses, disturbance to birds from hunting, pollution, and invasive species.

Achievements to date

A Rocha France has developed a management contract with the owner of Ilon Marsh and runs a monitoring programme on the plants and animals of the area. A particular emphasis for study has been the European Roller, which although rare in France, is present around the marsh in good numbers. Nest boxes have been put up to help these birds further. Alongside this research have been practical conservation tasks, such as digging ponds for the amphibians, and a programme of educational events to improve local knowledge and appreciation of the area.

Vision for the future

A Rocha France looks forward to building new (and strengthening existing) relationships with local farmers and landowners. Over time it is hoped that parts of the area surrounding Ilon can be returned to a more natural state including wetlands and riparian woodlands. On a wider scale it is hoped that the land can be managed in a more environmentally sensitive and sustainable way, such as the reduction of pesticide use, to increase water quality.