A walk at the La-Capelle-et-Masmolène pond

A walk by the water

The perfect spot for a photo safari or for any budding naturalist, the pond – covering over 40 ha (though its size varies with the seasons) – has been a Natura 2000 protected natural site and a conservation area since 2014.

A true green lung at the heart of the garrigue and ‘an interface between aquatic and agricultural environments (pastures and crops)’ (Syndicat mixte des gorges du Gardon), the lake is a ‘relic of the Languedoc wetlands and marshes and one of the few freshwater lakes in this expanse of Mediterranean garrigue’ (CCPU).

It is a privilege to enjoy its preserved biodiversity: as well as the horses and bulls one sometimes comes across, numerous birds (purple herons, bitterns, little bitterns, whinchats, water rails, marsh harriers) and lake-dwelling species can be found here: crested newts, cordulids, insects such as dragonfly nymphs, and fish such as roach, carp, tench and pike… and sometimes even unfortunately invasive species, such as Louisiana crayfish, which are the subject of preventive fishing campaigns organised by the Syndicat mixte des gorges du Gardon, in order to contain their spread.

As for the flora, it is also present on a large scale in this green oasis, home to 19 rare and remarkable species: ‘The vegetation of the temporary Mediterranean pools (Mediterranean amphibious grasslands)… harbours an exceptional array of heritage plants, including five species protected at national level and one at regional level.

Three other wetland-dependent habitats have been identified on the site: gallery forests of white willow and white poplar forming linear strips along the edge of the pond, and two isolated habitats: oligo-mesotrophic calcareous waters with characeae (aquatic vegetation comprising characeae) and natural eutrophic lakes found within the ponds on the plateau to the west of the site and, to a lesser extent, in the pond (aquatic vegetation comprising large pondweeds). Finally, holm oak forests – a habitat expanding rapidly in the Mediterranean region – cover almost the entire plateau…’

The OECS, a collaborative programme

Through the OECS programme (Observations of Inland Waters by Citizens and Satellites), the CNES (National Centre for Space Studies) project – supported by the Adour-Garonne Water Agency – aims to ‘raise public awareness of water resource issues’ and invites citizens to help preserve the region’s aquatic areas, particularly in La-Capelle-et-Masmolène.

How does it work?

‘When a member of the public is near a gauge, they can use their mobile phone to scan the QR code on the gauge. They are then taken directly to the project’s website (to the ‘readings’ page) and can enter the water level reading taken from the gauge, along with the date and time.

This method enables water levels to be monitored over time with the help of members of the public. By logging back into the project’s website, they can track changes in the level and condition of the natural resources of their favourite rivers and lakes’ (source and further information: OECS).

The interpretive trail: a different perspective on the pond

The interpretive trail is also a great way to get to know this protected area better and to understand the environment, the conservation of which dates back to 2001 with the creation of the Association for the Preservation of the La-Capelle-et-Masmolène Pond, founded by Edouard Drome, a key figure in the pond’s conservation.

As the seasons change, the lake reveals itself in all its richness and fragility. There’s nothing quite like coming here for a stroll to discover this magnificent wild landscape throughout the year and to commune with nature.

The right address: Etang de La-Capelle-et-Masmolène, Chemin de l’Etang, 30700 La-Capelle-et-Masmolène.