Field Report: Wetland Restoration & Peat Bog Protection 2026
Documenting biodiversity indicators, historical hydrological records, and community monitoring across the sensitive riparian wetlands and peat bogs of the Haute-Dordogne watershed.
Zone humide préservée et tourbière acide observée lors des relevés de terrain menés sur le territoire de Liginiac.
Public Research & Non-Profit Standard: All membership fees and dues are fully reinvested in the association's public interest missions. This field report is published as open civic data for researchers, schools, and citizens free of charge.
Field Overview
Context & Ecological Significance of the Haute-Corrèze Wetlands
The granitic plateau of Haute-Corrèze, stretching between the Triouzoune river and the steep gorges of the Dordogne, harbors fragile peat bogs (*tourbières*) and acidic marshlands that act as natural giant sponges. These wetlands regulate hydrological discharge, filter groundwater, and sequester thousands of metric tons of carbon, making them vital buffers against seasonal climate extremes.
During the 2025–2026 observation cycle, the volunteer research unit of the Association des Amis de la Licorne, working in synergy with local naturalists and municipal forestry delegates, undertook a field documentation project. Our mission was two-fold: cross-reference historical municipal cadastre records and 19th-century water management ledgers with current ecological ground surveys to identify zones of historical wetland degradation and support civic restoration efforts.
Fiches de relevés hydrologiques et cartographie historique des zones humides déposées dans les archives associatives.
14
Surveyed Micro-Sites
Isolated peat depressions and stream headwaters evaluated across Liginiac and neighboring communal borders.
380 hrs
Volunteer Field Work
Rigorous observational walks, GPS geotagging, water acidity testing, and historical document matching.
100%
Open Public Data
All synthesized logs deposited in the municipal library for free consultation by local farmers and students.
By examining historical parish maps from 1842 preserved in our municipal archive alongside modern satellite orthophotography, our team detected several drainage ditches excavated in the mid-20th century that had begun to artificially dry out native sphagnum moss communities (*Sphagnum spp.*).
Réunion de concertation sur les relevés de terrain avec les propriétaires terriens et les élus municipaux à Liginiac.
Botanical & Bryophyte Monitoring
Observations confirmed resilient populations of round-leaved sundew (*Drosera rotundifolia*), a carnivorous protected bog plant, alongside cotton-grass (*Eriophorum vaginatum*). Maintaining high seasonal water tables is essential to prevent pine and birch encroachment from desiccating these fragile moss layers.
Amphibian & Odonata Inventories
Surveys identified 16 species of dragonflies and damselflies, notably the southern damselfly (*Coenagrion mercuriale*), a sensitive European bio-indicator species thriving in slow-moving acidic rivulets. Healthy breeding populations of the yellow-bellied toad (*Bombina variegata*) were also cataloged in shallow ruts.
Relevé journalier des observations phénologiques et mesures de température de l'eau consigné sur le terrain.Synthèse numérique et mise en forme des données écologiques au sein de la Bibliothèque Municipale de Liginiac.
Community Engagement & Practical Restoration Steps
Following these field observations, the association organized an open community feedback session at the library. Local landowners, grazing farmers, and municipal road workers discussed practical, low-cost water retention strategies:
Installing small wooden ditch plugs using untreated local oak branches to slow runoff and allow groundwater re-infiltration.
Promoting extensive seasonal sheep grazing instead of mechanical mowing to maintain open bog vegetation without soil compaction.
Distributing our free illustrated field brochure to local families to build pride and protective awareness around these vital aquatic sanctuaries.
Data Access
Open Access Data Repository & Research Consultation
The complete 48-page technical dossier, including botanical species lists, hydrological charts, and historical map overlays, is freely accessible for consultation at the municipal library of Liginiac.
Join Upcoming Ecological Field Surveys
Our volunteer nature survey unit welcomes amateur botanists, photographers, and nature enthusiasts of all experience levels for our upcoming summer 2026 monitoring expeditions.
