Grand-Laviers réserve baie de somme
The Baie de Somme Grand-Laviers bird sanctuary
- 195bird species
- 165floristic species
- 3itinerary
13observatories
From former industrial site to exceptional nature reserve
A bird’s paradise
Situated 5 minutes as the crow flies from the Baie de Somme and on the outskirts of Abbeville. This former industrial site offers an exceptional biotope, guaranteeing habitat, food and protection for a multitude of species over more than 40 hectares.
Depending on the season, stilts, avocets, bitterns, whistling ducks and green-winged teal live side by side on the reserve’s waterways. Along the way, it’s not unusual to hear the lively, hurried song of the reed warbler, or to come across damselflies and butterflies in graceful flight.
The Baie de Somme – Grand-Laviers Reserve, particularly popular with wildlife photographers, is also a great place for families to take a stroll. Educational panels for children are set up all along the tour route.
From sugar to birds
History of the reserve
Following the closure in 2008 of the Abbeville sugar refinery, founded in 1872, the seven settling ponds located in the commune of Grand-Laviers are no longer in use and are gradually being revegetated. In 2010, three ponds covering a total of 40 hectares were acquired by the Fondation pour la Protection des Habitats de la Faune Sauvage. Work was undertaken and the bird sanctuary was created in 2012. It is managed by the ‘Entre Terre et Mer en Somme’ association. The site has become an important nesting ground for a number of birds, including the white stilt, the elegant avocet and the black-necked grebe. Numerous migrants and winterers are also attracted to the site.
Trails, dotted with observation posts and explanatory panels, have been set up to limit disturbance while encouraging discovery of the birds.
Baie de Somme Grand-Laviers bird sanctuary
2 route de Touvent
80132 Grand-Laviers
+33 (0)6.08.16.50.86
A bird’s paradise, ideal for all enthusiasts! Spring and autumn migrations are the best times to observe small wading birds.
Routes to suit everyone
With family or friends, discover this magical place …
- “Discovering the reserve”: Come and discover the secrets of the reserve, its inhabitants and much more…
- “Dawn and the birds”: As nature awakens, come and enjoy the bird park as a VIP.
- “Full of eyes at dusk”: A unique outing to watch the birds fly off to their feeding grounds. You’ll be thrilled!
- Bout de chou family outing: A guided tour specially designed for families to discover the reserve, with educational content accessible to the youngest members of the family.
