Rehabilitation of plant and animal biodiversity in South Essonne.

Visit of a restoration attempt

Finding As in many regions, the number of plant and animal species in South Essonne and their numbers have declined considerably over the past 40 years. The main phenomena that have led to this decline are, in descending order of importance, the modification and disappearance of species-friendly habitats, pollution (including phytosanitary treatments), the arrival of invasive species, and climate change.
Main characteristics of the site The restoration attempt (carried out since 2019) is located on the ground of an old market garden farm dating from the 17th century, at the confluence of two rivers, in an aesthetic setting surrounded by undeveloped plots more or less wooded or treated in green areas.
Methodology The method adopted aims to correct the phenomena mentioned in the observation and to promote the return of regional plants and insects. This choice is based on the fact that plants and insects are key elements in the functioning of natural ecosystems. Their return and development on site should naturally be accompanied by those of other animal groups (mammals, birds, reptiles, batrachians, etc.) formerly present but extinct or episodic today.
1- Diversification of plots in order to reproduce the types of natural environments in South Essonne compatible with the nature of the land: restored river edges, natural meadows, wastelands, orchards, hedges, flowering beds cultivated only of melliferous plants. 2 - Ecological management by annual mowing of grasslands; No phytosanitary treatment or fertilizer. Limitation of water losses and waterings in flowerbeds cultivated by biodegradable mulch plant. 3- Manual control of unwanted or invasive plants. Reintroduction by planting or seeding of certain regional species. Creation of roosts, shelters and breeding sites for insect pollinators and decomposers. 4- Climate changes cannot be controlled, we try to adapt the site by respecting (and monitoring) the new species arriving naturally and perhaps initiating a natural evolution of the specific local composition.
Results since the beginning of the restoration attempt Since 2019, limited to easily observable organisms, we have been able to count: - 230 species of wild plants (including 5 orchids) (which are added to the 95 varieties of cultivated plants) - 145 insect species including 25 butterflies - 8 mammal species - 23 bird species (over 30 years ago) - 1 lizard species