Wildlife in La Brenne?

greylag
greylag Club Member Posts: 585
Name Dropper

Has anyone been to La Brenne National park?

If so, what did you think of it?

Comments

  • Wherenext
    Wherenext Club Member Posts: 10,607 ✭✭✭
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    edited August 2017 #2

    Brilliant! Our first ever trip to France was to La Brenne. Go in May or early June and cycle if you can. 

    Not much to see if not interested in wildlife.

    We still go back every so often.

    Will post more if wanted but am cooking a chowder at the moment hat needs my attention!

  • greylag
    greylag Club Member Posts: 585
    Name Dropper
    edited August 2017 #3

    Any info appreciated.

  • Wherenext
    Wherenext Club Member Posts: 10,607 ✭✭✭
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    edited August 2017 #4

    There are plenty of lakes used to breed fish and most of these are viewable from the road, unlike the ones in the Sologne. Typical birds for the area include both Shrikes, Woodcut and Red Backed (in fact one year we had a caterpillar invasion and watched a RBS from our caravan feasting himself on them from no more than 30 feet away), Black necked Grebes, Black Terns, Long Eared Owls, Bitterns, Little Bitterns and plenty of other local residents. There is a nature reserve, believe it or not, in the centre of the park and they actively encourage visitors. There is plenty of other wildlife such as wild boar and we have seen a Pine Marten. Loads of different Snakes and other reptiles and the butterfly count is quite good. You'll have to travel to shop though.

    We've stayed at a few campsites, the best one being found just outside Vendoeuvres as this is quite central. We are going to try the one at Rosnay next time. The ones at Mezieres en Brenne and Le Blanc didn't appeal but this was quite some time ago so might be worth checking. If you want to stay outside the Park and travel in then there  are sites near Loches and Chateauroux that you could consider.

    If I think of anything else I'll post it on here.

  • Wherenext
    Wherenext Club Member Posts: 10,607 ✭✭✭
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    edited August 2017 #5

    Just remembered a book I have that covers the Wildlife that can be seen in the Loire, Brenne and Sologne. It's a Crossbill Guide ISBN 9789050113540. It has a couple of bike routes around the Brenne and 3 or 4 walks of varying lengths. Quite a handy guide to have for all 3 areas.

  • Oneputt
    Oneputt Club Member Posts: 9,145 ✭✭✭
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    edited August 2017 #6

    Guys your post prompted me to look on ACSI for sites in the area.  The first one I came across was Campsite La Petite Brenne.  Wonder as a single bloke with long lens and binos if i will get arrestedsurprised

  • iansoady
    iansoady Club Member Posts: 419 ✭✭✭
    edited August 2017 #7

    It's a lovely peaceful area even if you're not desperately interested in wildlife. I have the guide wherenext mentioned and found it useful.

  • Unknown
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    edited August 2017 #8
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  • ValDa
    ValDa Forum Participant Posts: 3,004
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    edited August 2017 #9

    Oneputt, single guys with long lens and binoculars won't be frowned on, even at Le Petite Brenne, provided they are looking outwards at the wildlife, rather than inwards at the other campers!cool

  • Oneputt
    Oneputt Club Member Posts: 9,145 ✭✭✭
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    edited August 2017 #10

    Your right Valda, but in truth I shall look for an alternative and probably take WN advice and go next spring (fingers crossed)laughing

  • Pliers
    Pliers Forum Participant Posts: 1,864
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    edited August 2017 #11

    Less laundry to wash, Oneputt. 😊

  • Pliers
    Pliers Forum Participant Posts: 1,864
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    edited August 2017 #12

    We were in the Brenne 2 years ago, in late July. The birding was probably past it's peak but still good, highlights were black necked grebes and black woodpeckers. Unexpected bee eater colony near the campsite. 

    I will not disclose which campsite we stayed on.........