Marais Audomarois biosphere reserve, Biosphere reserve in Saint-Omer region, France
The Marais Audomarois is a wetland in the Saint-Omer region featuring reedbeds, peaty woodlands, meadows, and a network of ditches and rivers. The terrain sits on a very flat plain at elevations of only 2 to 3 meters.
The water management system was developed in the 17th century through a network of small canals called wateringues that continue to prevent flooding in the region today. This infrastructure shows how early engineering made the area livable and usable for people.
Local gardeners work floating gardens within the wetland, growing vegetables and watercress using methods passed down through generations of families in the area. This traditional use shapes how the landscape looks and shows how people have learned to live with water here.
You can explore the area through marked walking trails, observation points for watching wildlife, and waterways suitable for kayaking year-round. The flat terrain makes exploring easy, but wear waterproof clothing since the wetland stays damp throughout all seasons.
The area holds one of only two remaining wetland floating gardens in France, home to rare species like the water soldier plant and the aquatic warbler bird. This specialized environment is remarkable for nature lovers, showing an uncommon ecosystem found nowhere else nearby.
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