Securing watering for animals while preserving waterways

For many years, the Périgord-Limousin Regional Natural Park has supported local livestock farmers in implementing suitable watering solutions, combined with the protection of waterways. This approach was strengthened in 2026 with the entry into force of the Action program for aquatic environments in the Dronne and Côle river basins.

A dual challenge of animal health and the environment

The health of herds is closely linked to their environment and watering conditions. certain diseases can be exacerbated by poor water managementFor example, bovine tuberculosis can be contracted by animals when they drink from contaminated water sources, where they can come into contact with the bacteria. Stagnant water and access to water shared with wildlife thus increase the risks of disease persistence and transmission.

At the same time, the ecological state of natural environments is strongly linked to livestock farming activities. Without appropriate management, there is a risk of deterioration whether by trampling of the banks or by trampling of the meadows at the water points (degraded pastures, formation of mud…).

The objective of the support offered by the Park is therefore twofold: to enable farmers to have a secure watering system, limiting health risks, and to reduce the impact of livestock on waterways.

The Park's expertise at the service of livestock farmers

Depending on the configuration of the plots and agricultural practices, the Park can support farmers with: the defense of the banks by fencing, the installation of watering points (pasture pump, gravity waterer, solar…), the creation of developed and stabilized descents, the creation of passages (footbridge, frame bridge, ford stabilization) or even the natural regeneration and planting of riparian vegetation.

Each project is studied on a case-by-case basis., in consultation with the operator, in order to propose a solution adapted to the technical constraints and the operation of the operation.

Moreover, financial help can be mobilized by the Park, particularly with the Adour-Garonne Water Agency, and cover up to 80% of the cost of the workThe level of support depends on the eligibility of the project (particularly with regard to the environmental challenges of the sector) and the mechanisms in force.

Finally, within its GEMAPI* jurisdiction (see map below), the Park can also carry out the workThis saves operators from significant cash advances and allows them to benefit from Simplified administrative and technical management as well as a secure financial arrangement.

To benefit from this dual technical and financial support, farmers whose plots are bordered or crossed by a watercourse are invited to contact the Park, in order to study the feasibility of a development project on their farm free of charge.

*GEMAPI: Management of aquatic environments and flood prevention