Engaged for several years in preserving the banks of the Nizonne river, the municipality of Combiers has adopted a land management strategy with the support of the Regional Natural Park. The aim is to restore and maintain open and wetland environments, historically characterized by a mosaic of meadows, but altered by agricultural decline and the development of crops such as corn and poplar plantations.
Between 2011 and 2013, the municipality acquired 50 wetland plots through a call for projects from the Adour-Garonne Water Agency. Since then, the Park's Wetland and Pond Technical Assistance Unit (CATZH-E) and the Dronne Basin River Union (SRB Dronne) have collaborated in managing these areas. Restoration work, including poplar cutting and the creation of a pond, has been carried out to promote the development of 'mégaphorbiaies', a type of tall herbaceous vegetation.
In the autumn of 2026, a 3.4 ha plot underwent reopening work by the SRB Dronne, aimed at encouraging the return of tall herbaceous plants characteristic of 'mégaphorbiaies'. The Park provided upstream technical assistance, defining intervention zones and actions. Regular maintenance is planned to preserve these open environments.
The municipality now plans to acquire three new plots, bringing the total area of preserved wetlands to 20.5 hectares. These acquisitions are part of a larger project for a pedestrian trail connecting Combiers to La Rochebeaucourt-et-Argentine, aiming to link two Natura 2000 sites.
The Park's technical support was crucial for developing the financial aid application dossier for the Water Agency. The Park will continue its support for the management of the new plots, thus consolidating the municipality's commitment to preserving biodiversity and water resources.
