La Réserve naturelle régionale du Marais de la Vacherie

The Vacherie marsh reserve covers more than 180 hectares. Located in the commune of Champagné-les-Marais, it is made up of natural wet meadows. In winter, when the water covers the lowest parts, the ducks of the Baie de l'Aiguillon come here to feed.

The Vacherie marsh, located in the heart of the Marais Poitevin, is a vast area of natural meadows interspersed with canals. The presence of water on these meadows makes them of major interest for biodiversity, particularly for migratory, wintering and especially breeding waterfowl. Numerous species breed here, testifying to the quality of the site: the black tern, the white stilt, the black-tailed godwit and the lapwing....There are no fewer than 160 plant species. Five of these are protected species. A wetland, the marsh is also a paradise for amphibians, reptiles and dragonflies (marbled newt, spotted pelodyte....).

The observation platform, accessible to people with reduced mobility, is freely accessible all year round, as are a telescope and information panels on the reserve's fauna, flora and management.

In spring, the site is home to a large proportion of the breeding shorebirds in the Marais Poitevin. It is at this time of year that the reserve is at its most interesting.