Biodiversity Month – In the footsteps of George Sand

Portrait de Georges Sand

As part of Biodiversity Month, the communes involved in the “Follow the Hoopoe!” association are offering a series of activities to help you discover the natural richness of the area. Chambon, Épineuil-le-Fleuriel, La Celle, Marçais, Orval, Saint-Vitte and Touchay are joining forces to showcase local biodiversity through events open to everyone.

This edition is held under the theme of George Sand, an iconic figure of the Berry region. Born in 1804 and based in Nohant, the author left a lasting mark on French literature through her sensitive depictions of the landscapes, traditions and rural life of Berry. In her novels, she describes hedgerows, forests, ponds and country paths, helping to make the region better known and appreciated. Her work highlights the importance of the connection between humans and nature, a vision that remains highly relevant today in raising awareness about biodiversity conservation.

Through this Biodiversity Month, the “Follow the Hoopoe!” association invites you to explore the natural environments that shape the identity of the region: hedgerows, wetlands, forests, farmland and natural heritage sites. These events are open to all: families, curious visitors, hikers and nature enthusiasts.

Programme of events : (Please note that all activities will be conducted in French.)

May 16 – Touchay (9:00 am – 6:00 pm) : Plant swap, market and a talk on hedgerows with Nature 18.

May 30 – Orval (10:00 am – 12:00 pm) : “Dragonflies and Odonates” activity led by Nature 18, as part of the Intercommunal Biodiversity Inventory.

May 30 – La Celle (4:00 pm – 6:00 pm) : “Stories and Legends” walk exploring nature and local folklore. The walk will start from the church square.

June 6 – Chambon (10:00 am – 12:00 pm) : Nature outing with Nature 18 focusing on the link between agriculture and biodiversity.

June 6 – Marçais (4:00 pm – 6:00 pm) : Activity focused on aquatic biodiversity.

June 13 – Épineuil-le-Fleuriel (9:00 am – 1:00 pm)

Hike from Épineuil-le-Fleuriel to Saint-Vitte to discover local landscapes and biodiversity.

June 13 – Saint-Vitte (12:00 pm – 6:00 pm) : From noon, on the church square: food truck (crêperie), refreshment stand and family games.

From 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm :

• artisans and local producers market

• exhibition: “Art and the Lunchbox”

• visit of the “Orchard of Possibilities”

• literary walk about George Sand at 5:00 pm

These events are an invitation to walk in the footsteps of George Sand, observe the nature that inspired her writing, and rediscover the richness of Berry. We look forward to welcoming you to these friendly and engaging events organised by the “Follow the Hoopoe !” association and its partners.