The lakes of the Hérault coast are a string of lagoons of unique importance, value and beauty. Etang de Thau, de Vic, de l'Or or du Bagnas (600 ha), all symbolise nature ? wild and unexpected.
They form a complex and precious ecosystem between land and sea. The lakes play a regulating role in the floods of the rivers and flooding and intrusions from the sea. They also assure a filtering role thanks to important biological activity. The lagoons and their banks possess a remarkable capacity to receive birds, coming there in thousands to nest, feed or rest during their yearly migrations. Lastly, the diversity of environments is favourable to the presence of numerous plant species, sometimes rare and menaced.
The lagoons of Le Bagnas in the Commune of Agde were designated as Nature Reserve in 1983. This reserve stretches over 600 ha made up of wetlands (a lake of fresh or brackish water and a marsh with salicorne fields), dunes and coastal heaths, salt and dry meadows and agricultural zones.
The ecological interest of this Reserve lies in its wealth of birds: nearly 250 bird species have been seen. It is a migration site of international importance with rare species such as the osprey and black crane. Species in numbers such as the pink flamingo, swallow, avocet or little egret frequent the Bagnas. During winter there are large gatherings of ducks with teals, pochards, mallards or northern shovellers. Remarkable species also nest such as the black winged stilt and the Kentish plover, the greater short-toed lark or the Eurasian bittern.
As for plant life the Petit Bagnas is a salicorne marsh, dry in summer, submerged in winter. The Grand Bagnas is a real lake with a surface covered by water and a great reed bed. Orchids can be found in the dry and uncultivated meadows. The coastal part is occupied by beachgrass dunes and tamarisk.
The Bagnas National Nature Reserve, now property of the Conservatoire du Littoral (Foundation for Coastline Protection), is managed by the ADENA - Association de Défense de l'Environnement et de la Nature des Pays d'Agde. Access to this fragile natural space is regulated. Thus, the ADENA has created discovery activities for this heritage, allowing the wildlife to be observed without being disturbed.
ADENA - Association de Défense de l'Environnement et de la Nature des Pays d'Agde
Maison de la Réserve. Domaine du Grand Clavelet. Route de Sète. Agde
Reception on site, all days except weekends. Phone : 04 67 01 60 23 www.adena-bagnas.com- Contact : adena-bagnas@tiscali.fr
