Lac de Millieu and Vernay marshes, ENS de l'Ain

BIODIVERSITY

The site is home to a remarkably diverse fauna, including many protected species.

- 33 species of dragonfly have been inventoried on the site.

- 3 protected bird species can be observed: the purple heron, the red warbler and the common snipe.

- In addition to rare spiders, the site is home to protected amphibians and reptiles. The lake's fish species include carp, tench and redfish.

A LITTLE HISTORY

Lac de Millieu and the Vernay marsh once formed a single wetland. Their eventful history dates back to the Middle Ages, when their water was diverted to the village of Lhuis to power flour mills.

Then, during the French Revolution, fear of malaria and a lack of farmland probably prompted villagers to drain the area, before discovering a new use for it: hemp retting, a maceration technique used to separate the bark from the stalk.

Subsequent development led to the area being divided into two distinct sites: the Millieu lake, dedicated to fish farming - certainly from the late 19th century onwards - and the Vernay marsh, used for mowing.

A true cultural heritage, these ancient uses have contributed to the site's current physiognomy and favored its natural richness, with the presence, for example, of the bladderwort, an aquatic carnivorous plant. They have also led to a strong local attachment to the site and a determination to preserve it.

ENJOY THE PLACE

Take a stroll around the lake. A bench welcomes you in front of the interpretation panel, literally offering a "frame" for your contemplation or photos!

The Conservatoire des Espaces Naturels de l'Ain organizes walks and other activities from time to time.

Lac de milieu was awarded the "ENS" or espace naturel sensible label by the Département de l'Ain in 2018. Sites awarded the ENS "Espaces naturels sensibles" label are managed in such a way as to preserve the biodiversity they host, and developed for opening to the public (barring exceptions due to the fragility of the environments).