Moulismes Nature: About Moulismes

About Moulismes

Moulismes

Moulismes, population c400, lies between Poitiers and Limoges, on Route Nationale RN 147, in the departement Vienne (86). Just west of the Brenne Parc Naturel Regional, the Brenne, departement Indre (36), may be better known, but much of the same flora and fauna can be found around Moulismes, in fact a few species are more easily found here.
The Vienne countryside is subtly different from that of the Brenne, but in both areas farms are mostly non-corporate and small by UK standards. Sheep, cattle, mainly the rich brown Limousin, maize, sunflowers and vegetables are the principle sources of income, along with cereal production. There is much woodland, many small etangs (lakes), and plenty of marginal land, unimproved meadows and pasture. Most etangs are too small to be of any interest, but older, more established ones, and the few larger ones, are prime habitat here. The Brenne, of course, has many large etangs, and fish-farming is a major source of income. Most woodland is privately owned, but some larger ones belong to the commune and have public access. The maize prairie provides habitat for finches and migrating cranes, as the stubble is often left until spring. In the unimproved meadows, many butterfly and insect species can be found, and an established etang may hold up to 20 odonata species

Location of Moulismes click here

Vienne river at St-Savin, Vienne

This website

On the following pages are some of the species that can be watched within an hours’ drive of the village. A few have specialized habitat requirements, for example calcareous-loving species, but most are widespread
Hopefully this website will be of use to visitors and local residents alike, both French and English, as a guide to what you can expect to see. The emphasis throughout is to encourage people to explore and find their own delights - this is only meant as a guide
Even if visiting for only a week, using IGN maps Cartes de randonees, and local sentiers (footpath) maps, free from the local Marie (Mayors office), many of the species featured here can be seen. I know of various residents near here who've seen species I've not yet seen - which just makes the learning curve more enjoyable
If there are any mistakes with identification, they are entirely mine, much as I'd like to blame my wife! Please let me know through the Contact me section