Protected natural areas

Sensitive Natural Areas and the Auvergne Volcanoes Regional Nature Park

The Terra Volcana area (Riom Limagne & Volcans and Plaine Limagne) is partly within the boundaries of the Parc Naturel Régional des Volcans d’Auvergne (PNRVA), and includes several Espaces Naturels Sensibles (ENS). These areas help to reconcile nature conservation, natural heritage enhancement and sustainable tourism.

Issues

Preservation of natural environments: protecting species and sensitive areas, limiting the impact of human activities (buildings, tourism, traffic).
Raising environmental awareness: raising awareness of the area’s geological wealth (volcanoes, Limagne fault) and biodiversity, and encouraging responsible behaviour.
Sustainable development: promoting gentle tourist activities, limiting nuisance, promoting traditional uses (agriculture, pastoralism) that shape the landscape.
Territorial cohesion: involve residents, local authorities and professionals in managing the natural heritage, so that everyone benefits from ecosystem services and quality of life.

Auvergne Volcanoes Regional Nature Park (PNRVA)

The Parc Naturel Régional des Volcans d’Auvergne (Auvergne Volcanoes Regional Nature Park) was created in 1977 and covers almost 395,000 hectares in the Puy-de-Dôme and Cantal départements.

It currently brings together around 147 communes and 13 intercommunal bodies (communities of communes / communities of agglomerations) under a joint management syndicate. There are around 90,000 inhabitants in this NRP area.

The Park runs initiatives to promote awareness, restore environments and support sustainable practices (agriculture, tourism, crafts) in its areas.

Discover the Parc des Volcans

Sensitive natural areas (ENS)

What is an ENS?

A Sensitive Natural Area is a natural site identified by the départements (and sometimes commonly) for its ecological, landscape or geological interest, fragility or conservation issues, and for which management and public awareness initiatives are put in place. These areas are often used for walks, footpaths, observation points and nature activities, while limiting the impact (fauna, flora, etc.).

Discover the region's nature reserves

The Grand de Pulvérières pond: a protected natural gem

Located in the commune of Pulvérières, in the department of Puy-de-Dôme, theEtang Grand is a wetland of around 40 hectares, classified as a Sensitive Natural Area (ENS) since 2006. It is an integral part of the Parc Naturel Régional des Volcans d’Auvergne.

The pond and its surroundings are home to a wide variety of natural habitats, including reedbeds, horsetails, heather and broom heaths, mesophilous meadows, willow and alder groves and megaphorbia.

Remarkable wildlife

Birds: great crested grebe, common coot, grey heron, grey shrike, and migratory birds such as the osprey.
Amphibians: eight species recorded, including the palmate newt, the spotted salamander and the natterjack toad.
Other: butterflies (Rhopalocera), more than 27 species including the Red-breasted Pearly Moth, the Black Damier and the Lesser Silver-collared Moth.

The Côte Verse de Volvic: an exceptional Sensitive Natural Area in the heart of Puy-de-Dôme

Situated on the heights of Volvic, the Côte Verse is a Locally-Initiated Sensitive Natural Area (ENSIL) covering almost 94 hectares between the hamlets of Tournoël and Crouzol. Classified since 2009, it is now managed in partnership with the LPO Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, the Département du Puy-de-Dôme and the Parc Naturel Régional des Volcans d’Auvergne.

This protected natural area boasts wooded landscapes, shady valleys and exceptional biodiversity. Easily accessible, it attracts walkers, naturalists and hikers every year.

The Côte Verse de Volvic plays a major ecological role in the department’s network of protected natural areas. It contributes to

conserving forest and moorland habitats,
maintaining ecological corridors between the Limagne fault and the volcanic relief,
raising public awareness of the area’s natural wealth.

Discover the local flora and fauna

The Mirabel hill

The Colline de Mirabel, on the outskirts of Riom, has been a designated Sensitive Natural Area (ENS) since 2006 by the Puy-de-Dôme Departmental Council. Managed by the Riom Limagne & Volcans urban community and the Conservatoire d’Espaces Naturels d’Auvergne, the site covers almost 500 hectares between Riom, Marsat, Malauzat and Ménétrol.

This remarkable site is home to a wealth of flora, including 21 species of wild orchid, including Fly Orchid, Spider Orchid, Red Dusky Orchid and Small-leaved Epipactis. These rare flowers thrive on the dry limestone grasslands and sunny margins, fragile environments that the site’s management plan aims to preserve.

The Orchid Trail

Designed for the public, this trail allows visitors to discover these species while respecting their habitat. The particular geology of Mirabel, with its limestone base topped by a basalt plateau, favours a wide variety of environments.

Ecological management of the site, including clearing undergrowth, grazing and restoring meadows, maintains the open spaces that are essential for flowering. A veritable showcase of biodiversity, the Coline de Mirabel illustrates the balance between protecting, discovering and passing on Riom’s natural heritage.

To find out more Nature

Hiking in Terra Volcana

Mountain biking, cycling, adrenaline