OUR NATURE RESERVE

OUR DEDICATION: giving back to Nature

OUR DEDICATION: giving back to Nature

OUR DEDICATION:

giving back to Nature

At the heart of Sur Pierreux Fontenalle lies our commitment to giving back to nature. This nature reserve, formed from a harmonious collaboration with nature conservation organizations, is living proof of our commitment to nature restoration and biodiversity. Our project represents a careful balance between human intervention and respect for natural processes.

Through targeted ecological interventions we have transformed the landscape and enriched its ecological value. The successful integration of diverse species in this area, from wetland habitats to the return of distinctive fauna, illustrates the positive impact of our project. It is a tangible reflection of our vision for a sustainable and mutually beneficial relationship with the natural world.

Sur Pierreux Fontenalle is not only a haven for biodiversity, but also a testimony to our belief that humans and nature can work together in harmony. This site serves as an inspiring example of how careful and respectful ecological management can lead to a thriving and resilient ecosystem.

The Birth of a Biodiverse Paradise

Our Sur Pierreux Fontenalle nature reserve is the result of an ambitious project, which emerged from a fruitful collaboration with Natagora and Natura 2000. Our goal was to make an important contribution to nature restoration and biodiversity. In consultation with specialists in the field of ecological restoration, we have drawn up a detailed plan to transform the former agricultural area into a valuable nature reserve.

 

The first step in this process was to carry out the necessary earthworks in 2017, creating 'natural' ponds. This intervention was crucial to create a suitable habitat for various water-bound species and to significantly increase the ecological value of the area. By restoring wetland areas and creating these lakes, we have laid a foundation for a rich and resilient nature.

 

The Beaver: Landscape Designer in Action

As one of the first inhabitants of Sur Pierreux Fontenalle, beavers played a key role in the formation of our nature reserve. After our initial earthworks to create wetland habitats, these industrious rodents have taken over. Their dam construction has not only further shaped the landscape, but also contributed to biodiversity and ecological balance.

 

The beavers, with their natural ability to create wetlands, have created new habitats that are essential for other species. Their activities highlight how human intervention and natural processes can complement each other, making Sur Pierreux Fontenalle a unique ecosystem.

 

The presence of these pioneers illustrates the revival of the area and symbolizes our vision of a harmonious collaboration between people and nature.

The Tree Frog: an Ecological Leap

In Sur Pierreux Fontenalle, in collaboration with the Walloon Region and supported by European subsidies, we have taken a crucial step in the reintroduction of the tree frog (Hyla arborea) in Belgium. This small but striking amphibian, recognizable by its grass-green color and suction cup-like attachment discs on its legs, plays an important role in the ecological balance of our nature reserve.

 

When developing Sur Pierreux Fontenalle, the living conditions that the tree frog needs were specifically taken into account. In 2022, a new colony of tree frogs, originating from France and Poland, was introduced into the area. 

 

These little amphibians, with their unmistakable 'krék-krék' sounds and fascinating behaviour, bring an extra dimension of life and color to the area. Their return is a hopeful sign for the future of our native wildlife.

 

 

The Water Warbler: Symbol of Recovery

Sur Pierreux Fontenalle has become a true paradise for bird watchers, with an impressive variety of bird species, including waterfowl and numerous breeding birds. The great diversity of birds in this area is a clear sign of the ecological success of the project. However, the presence of the Water Warbler (Acrocephalus paludicola) is for us the ultimate proof of this success.

 

The Aquatic Warbler, a species known for its specific habitat preferences, has found Sur Pierreux Fontenalle an ideal stopping point during its seasonal migration. The arrival of this species is a clear indicator of the quality of the restored wetland and the diversity of the wetland habitat. This is a remarkable achievement, considering the Water Warbler is known as a demanding and rare species in our region.

 

The growing populations of these and other bird species in Sur Pierreux Fontenalle are not only a source of joy and wonder for bird watchers, but also an important indicator of the health of the ecosystem.