The Aujes of Warnant

Located in the Condroz region of Entre-Sambre-et-Meuse, the Aujes de Warnant site occupies a plateau and the slopes of a small left bank tributary of the Molignée, halfway between the villages of Warnant and Bioul. The central part consists of former crops and dry grasslands undergoing gradual bush encroachment and was used for a time as a motocross track. In 2006, this area underwent restoration work as part of the Life Haute-Meuse project, which led to the development of a clearing of over 3 hectares, which has since been maintained through periodic care by municipal workers. The calcareous grasslands and thermophilic edges are floristically rich and host various heritage species such as Fuchs' orchid (Dactylorhiza fuchsii), belladonna (Atropa bella-donna), and horseshoe vetch (Hippocrepis comosa). Annual plants including field snapdragon (Misopates orontium) and even species from acidic grasslands and heaths such as three-tipped bristle grass (Danthonia decumbens) can also be found more locally. An old marble quarry on the eastern flank of the massif hosts equally interesting biodiversity, including the extremely rare red sedum (Sedum rubens). The forest areas comprise elements of calcareous oak-hornbeam forests and ravine maple forests rich in ferns. The faunal population remains poorly documented and requires the establishment of inventories. The best-known group, namely the butterflies, includes several uncommon species typical of dry grasslands, such as the marbled white (Melanargia galathea), the chart butterfly (Spialia sertorius), and the marsh fritillary (Pyrgus malvae).

Type: Site of Great Biological Interest (SGIB)

La biodiversité en Wallonie