As part of the LIFE Vallées Atlantiques project, Natagora, in collaboration with the SPW Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environment and the Department of Nature and Forests, is undertaking ecological restoration actions, particularly in the municipality of Chaumont-Gistoux. Work is scheduled for the Champtaine Domanial Nature Reserve and the Bois Matelle site from September to December 2026.
These sites are of major importance for nature conservation at the regional level, hosting significant species and habitats. The work aims to restore two natural habitats of great ecological interest under Natura 2000, which are currently in sharp decline across Europe: heathland and sandy grassland. Heathland, historically resulting from ancient agro-pastoral practices, is characterized by large areas of heather. Sandy grassland, a pioneer habitat colonizing bare sand in old sandpits, hosts specific species such as delicate bird's-foot and Corynephorus, as well as numerous threatened wild bee species.
The interventions primarily involve the uprooting and coppicing of woody shoots, particularly broom, to maintain the openness of the environment and promote the establishment of typical heather and herbaceous plants. This action also includes the removal of invasive exotic plants, such as black locust, late cherry, red oak, and smooth goldenrod. Localized areas will undergo brushwood clearing and superficial scraping of the sandy soil to combat overgrowth and invasion by bracken fern, thereby encouraging the germination of dormant seeds in the soil. The dredging of two ponds in Champtaine is planned to counteract their gradual silting and make them more attractive to aquatic fauna and flora.
To ensure the long-term success of the restoration efforts, the Department of Nature and Forests (DNF) will maintain the extensive grazing management already in place. This grazing will be extended in the enclosure north of the site (Bois du Sart) through the installation of new gravity gates on the vicinal path. The path's accessibility for pedestrians will be maintained.
The interventions will be carried out with respect for fauna and flora, aiming to improve the ecological quality of the site while limiting temporary impacts on the public. Certain areas may be temporarily closed to circulation for safety reasons.
For more information on the LIFE Vallées Atlantiques project, consult the website: www.lifevalleesatlantiques.eu or follow us on Facebook. The project is co-financed by the European Union and Wallonia.
