On Saint-Aubin island, the hunting association of Maine-et-Loire bought 123 ha of land to save the flood meadow habitats from afforestation. To preserve the flood meadow areas hunters collaborated with farmers for the continuity of hay cutting. They also proposed environmental leases to the farmers in order to follow Natura 2000 agro-environmental measures that need to be applied. All farmers accepted to sign the environmental-lease that secure the future of the area. Finally, they conducted some communication and education activities by setting up pedagogic pannels and organizing guided tours.
Country: France
Region: Pays de la Loire
Starting date: 1987
Species: Corn Crake (Crex Crex), Garganey (Anas Querquedula), Common Quail (Coturnix Coturnix), Northern Lapwing (Vanellus Vanellus), Common Snipe (Gallinago Gallinago), Black-tailed Godwit (Limosa Limosa)
Species characteristics: Migratory species
Type of actions: Management of habitats and wildlife, Research and data collection
Leading partners: Fédération départementale des chasseurs du Maine-et-Loire (http://www.frc-paysdelaloire.com/)