Réserve naturelle nationale de la dune Marchand, National nature reserve near Dunkirk, France
Réserve naturelle nationale de la dune Marchand is a protected coastal reserve located between Bray-Dunes and Zuydcoote in northern France. The terrain consists of sandy dunes, wetland areas, and beach sections that form a natural habitat for diverse wildlife populations.
The reserve was officially designated by the French Ministry of Environment in 1974 to protect the coastal dunes of the Flanders region. This formal protection marked an important milestone for nature conservation efforts along France's northern coast.
The reserve incorporates former military structures transformed into shelters for bats and amphibians through volunteer conservation projects in 2008.
A visitor center in a converted farmhouse provides information and guidance for exploring the reserve. Marked walking trails wind through different landscape sections, making it easy to navigate the natural areas.
The reserve is home to over 300 plant species and nearly 160 vertebrate species, including a substantial bird population. This rich biodiversity makes it an important refuge for rare plants and animals along the European coast.
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