Plounérin Nature Reserve: Come and breathe in the fresh country air!

The reserve

This 160-hectare area represents a unique natural heritage inherited from the Breton agricultural system of the early 20th century. Its value stems both from the physical conditions of the environment (humidity, poor soil, acidity) and from human activities (grazing, haymaking, afforestation, etc.).
Successive surveys and designations culminated in 2016 with its classification as a Regional Nature Reserve. The site’s uniqueness lies in the fact that 36 per cent of the land is publicly owned and 64 per cent privately owned. All of the private landowners are volunteers and have committed to a collaborative development project. The objectives are both to protect the natural heritage and to maintain human activities that are compatible with the conservation of the mosaic of habitats. A variety of habitats means a wealth of flora and fauna. To date, 1,200 animal and plant species have been recorded, some of which are rare or protected. Another distinctive feature is the fragmentation of the reserve, which is split into 98 non-contiguous plots. This fragmented area represents a stage in a comprehensive, long-term process.