News from the restoration site in Mazieras

The Périgord-Limousin Regional Natural Park launched major works last Septemberto restore a more natural flow to the Malencourie river, at the Maziéras mill. The first phase of the project is now complete.

Draining and preparing the site

The first phase of work aimed to drain the old pond and open the mill weir to install a structure allowing the river to flow over the dam. The company in charge of the project also worked to secure the site, remove some of the surface sediment, and prepare the land for the restoration of the Malencourie River to its original course.

These operations are an essential prerequisite to the continuation of the restoration project.They allow the body of water to gradually dry out during the winter. This resting period will promote sediment stabilization, natural soil compaction, and create optimal conditions for the earthworks planned during the second phase of the project.

See you in the spring to restore the river to its former glory.

Now drained, the site is entering a phase of natural evolution. Winter drying will provide a more stable ground for reshaping the Malencourie riverbed and permanently reinforcing the banks.

In the spring, as soon as the hydraulic and weather conditions allow, work will resume. This will involve restoring the natural riverbed in the former body of water, terracing the banks, diversifying the site's natural habitats, and reinforcing the dike that currently serves as a public road.

This second phase will constitute the culmination of the project and will allow the river to regain a more natural, more dynamic functioning and therefore more favorable to biodiversity.