Vieux-Boucau-les-Bains: discovering the Landes forest

The layout of the two interpretation circuits offered by the town of Vieux-Boucau

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The Mare aux Biches circuit

Follow the signs and reach the deer pond!

This circuit is divided into 7 stages. At each step there is an information panel. The themes discussed during this walk are the types of plants present in the heart of this Boucalaise forest, the presence of water under the moors, the exploitation of the forest (forestry).

Interpretation panels scattered along the way

You will also discover the doe pond: this wetland where all the animals that live in this place meet and meet, often in the morning, when this calm territory still belongs to them a little.

This is where the animals come to drink at dawn

For this walk, it takes about 1 hour, the time to enjoy the place, its tranquility and breathe deeply the intoxicating scent of maritime pine.

  

Live the moment and feel nature envelop you

The palombière circuit

Direction la palombière!

Eleven stages await you during this circuit. Thanks to the information panels, you will learn that the maritime pine is not the only species of tree present in the heart of this Landes forest. Indeed, oak and cork oak are also very strongly represented there. Fern and heather line the sandy soil, just like the thorns and pine cones that crisp under our feet!

  

Maritime pines, oaks, cork oaks, ferns and heather make up the Landes forest

This time, you will discover during your walk a wood pigeon: this hut where wood pigeon hunters attract wood pigeons (also called wood pigeons) using calls. This practice is very common in the southwest of France.

La Palombière: hut where wood pigeon hunters meet

This walk lasts an hour. Do not hesitate to take breaks and look up to try to see the birds in the trees.

A woodpecker looking for food

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Fauna present

It is difficult to glimpse the animals that inhabit this environment because they are wild and fearful, and move away from any human presence, but know that it is a whole fauna that lives in the shade of this forest. If you are lucky, or early, or discreet, or even all three, you may have the opportunity to cross paths with deer, deer, marten, or even small boar or badgers.

As for birds, partridge, woodcock, pheasant, and, of course, wood pigeon are among the species commonly observed in this area.

On the panels are indicated the animals that frequent the communal forest of Vieux-Boucau, as well as their footprints, to learn to recognize them

Storm Klaus

Ten years after the storm of 1999 which affected the whole of the national territory, this region again suffered the wrath of the God Aeolus. Storm Klaus destroyed everything in its path with gusts sometimes reaching 170 km / h. It was a real ecological disaster.

Storm Klaus made an impression

Moreover, all the panels set up along these two interpretation trails, as well as the benches and picnic tables present were made from fallen or uprooted wood during the night of the 23rd. as of January 24, 2009 (fr).

Some trees damaged by storm Klaus have been recycled and are living their second life!

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The fire

In 1949, the deadliest forest fire in France took place in the Landes de Gascogne. More than 80 people died there, trying their best to prevent its progression. An environment such as this, despite the regular maintenance put in place, ignites easily and the fire spreads quickly. Also, everyone must protect themselves and do what is necessary to ensure that this does not happen again: no cigarette butt, no barbecue, no glass which has a magnifying effect because of the sun's rays...

Forest fire: the fear of forest lovers

We wish you a pleasant walk on these pretty educational trails, take care of the forest and yourself, by taking something to quench your thirst, to eat and to protect you from the sun!  

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Article and photos prepared by Charline Prod'Homme, la Plume Digitale

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