When the Park helps train future managers of natural environments

The Park welcomed the 1st grade students at the beginning of May^st Vocational Baccalaureate in "Natural Environment and Wildlife Management" from the Oisellerie High School in Angoulême. This three-day stay in the Nontron region aimed to introduce students to the region's unique features and develop their skills.

Accompanied by a Water Unit officer, the students were able to learn about the region's water issues by exploring the Bandiat Valley. Various workshops were on the agenda.

FIRST DAY took place around the Nouailles pond and was punctuated by a workshop dedicated to the creation of “general public” activities. On this occasion, the students were trained by the Park’s “Heritage” project manager, who is also a tour guide. This time for discussion allowed them to benefit from valuable advice on building an animation and on the course of a guided tour. Role-playing workshops allowed everyone to express themselves in public through role-playing.

THE DAY AFTER, After a presentation of the challenges in the urban context of the Bandiat Valley, the students worked on the stadium plain in Saint-Martial-de-Valette. Supervised by two Park agents, They studied the criteria for identifying and characterizing wetlands and were introduced to the implementation of wetland monitoring protocols. They were given a focus on the odonate inventories (dragonflies) and pedological (soil study). Subsequently, an intervention by the Sustainable Development Council of Périgord Vert made it possible to highlight the interest of citizen projects in the preservation of the environment and biodiversity and in raising awareness among residents of environmental issues.

In the afternoon, the students worked on the Bandiat, between Moulin Blanc and Lamendeau, where they took part in river diagnostic exercises and historical documentary research. They thus discovered the traditional uses of this waterway, analyzed the various existing developments and considered ways of improving to promote and manage aquatic environments and ecological continuity.

FINALLY, THE 3^e DAY of this study trip took place in Abjat-sur-Bandiat and was partly devoted to a wetland management siteThe students stripped the bark of aspen trees to weaken their root systems and prevent shoots. This operation helps to "reopen the environment" and thus preserve the existing wetland. That same day, the group also worked on the construction of nest boxes, guided by Solène Pichaud, cabinetmaker based in the heart of the Park.

Fifteen students participated in this trip, accompanied by three teachers. Following positive feedback from the school, a collaboration could be developed on field trips, maintenance projects, and the management of natural spaces.