After several months dedicated to the natural maintenance of the territory's spaces, the eco-grazing animals have left their pastures as winter approaches. On November 12th, ditch goats and cattle thus joined their wintering grounds. They will return to their meadows next spring for a new grazing season.
Their departure was not without incident. In the wetland area of Chalandray, in Montgeron, the retreat of the ditch goats led to some lively scenes, requiring patience and agility from the SyAGE team and the Vernopâture breeder. On the Oly stream site, in Vigneux-sur-Seine, the gathering of the four cattle went more smoothly thanks to Mathieu Pires's help. The animals will spend the winter at the Millagoulle farm, in Novoitou, Brittany.
Since spring, 15 animals have contributed to the ecological maintenance of three sites managed by SyAGE: Île des Prévôts, in Crosne, the Chalandray plain, in Montgeron, and the Oly flood expansion zone (ZEC), in Vigneux-sur-Seine. In total, nearly 42,500 m² of natural spaces have benefited from their grazing. The ditch goats maintained 9,000 m² in Chalandray, the Armorican cattle grazed on 13,500 m² in Oly, and nearly 20,000 m² were maintained by eight Solognote ewes on Île des Prévôts.
“"By grazing vegetation and moving around, these animals naturally help limit overgrowth and maintain open environments. This gentle maintenance method reduces the need for mechanical interventions and helps preserve the diversity of natural habitats."
Beyond their ecological role, these herds are composed of French rustic and heritage breeds, raised in small numbers, such as Solognote ewes, ditch goats, and Armorican cattle. These breeds are important to make known and preserve for their hardiness and adaptability, especially in facing difficult climatic conditions, as illustrated by this summer's heatwave and drought.
After this winter break, the animals will return to the SyAGE natural spaces next spring for a new grazing season, benefiting ecological site management and the preservation of this essential living heritage.
