The forest of Epagne

The forest of Epagne is particularly remarkable for the nature of its soil. The massif is located on an outcrop of alkaline rocks, while the surrounding rocks are acidic in nature. These rocks (called gabbro) are associated here with other rocks called eclogites.These particularities give rise to a specific biotope, or habitat, unique in Limousin. There is a mosaic of forest habitats, some of which are of European interest: alluvial forests (bank afforestation), holly and beech forests, scree forests.Several species living on the site are also remarkable: Greater mouse-eared and Barbastelle bats, Otter (mammal), Sculpin and Planer Lamprey (fish), and Stag beetles (insects).For all these reasons, the Epagne forest is a Natura 2000 classified site, listed under the European Habitats Directive of 21 May 1992.Its rarity is also recognised by a Prefectural Decree for the Protection of Biotopes dated 7 July 1994.