Flora of the Lot Valley | From Aubrac to the Gorges du Tarn

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Flowers of the Lot Valley

The Lot Valley is home to a wide variety oftrees: willow, beech, lime, maple, alder, poplar, elm, chestnut, hazelnut, Scots pine… But there are also many varieties of flowers: wild orchids, narcissi…

These trees and flowers benefit from a milder climate than on the surrounding high plateaux, and a richer soil than that of the Causses.

The Ripisylve

The “ripisylve” zone is located on the banks of the Lot river. The ripisylve, from the Latin “ripa” (bank) and “sylva” (forest), is the name of the plant formation that borders watercourses. It plays an indispensable role, in particular by :

To maintain the banks. To protect banks against erosion and limit the risk of major floods, riparian vegetation must be made up of numerous plant species of different ages and sizes. It is this diversity and the intertwining of the roots, particularly of certain tree species, that gives it its strength and therefore its usefulness.
To provide specific natural habitats that form “biological corridors”, maintaining the biodiversity of the environment and protecting the quality of the river water by acting as a kind of “filter”.

It also provides a habitat for the river’s fauna: roots and cavities provide shelter for fish and insects from predators, and sometimes serve as spawning grounds. The riparian vegetation keeps the water cool in summer, which is essential for salmonids such as trout. The shadows cast by the river can also be reassuring for animal species that are less active in daylight. This “ecotone” (ecological transition zone between two systems) is also appreciated by species such as kingfishers and otters.

La Canourgue, Little Venice of Lozère. Family visit.

All about

Flora

of the Lot Valley

Is it possible to swim in a river full of riparian vegetation?
It won’t necessarily be pleasant for you!
The riparian vegetation keeps the water cool and is home to a number of plant and animal species that could tickle your toes.
So it’s a good idea to find a clearer place to swim, with clearer water.
Is wildflower picking allowed?
Wildflower picking is not permitted within the Natura 2000 area.

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