Le lac de Millieu et marais du Vernay, ENS de l'Ain

BIODIVERSITY
The site is home to a diverse and remarkable fauna, including many protected species.
- 33 species of dragonflies have been inventoried on the site.
- 3 protected bird species can be observed: the purple heron, the red warbler and the common snipe.
- In addition to rare spiders, the site has protected amphibians and reptiles. The lake's fish species are carp, tench and redhead.

A LITTLE HISTORY
The Millieu lake and the Vernay marsh used to form a single wetland. Their eventful history goes back to the Middle Ages, when their water was diverted to the town of Lhuis to feed the flour mills.
Then, during the French Revolution, fear of malaria and the lack of agricultural land probably prompted the villagers to drain the area, before discovering a new use for it: the retting of hemp, a maceration technique to separate the bark from the stem.

It was the subsequent development of the area that led to the creation of two distinct sites: the Millieu lake, dedicated to fish farming - certainly from the end of the 19th century - and the Vernay marsh, used for mowing.

A true cultural heritage, these ancient uses have contributed to the current physiognomy of the site and favoured its natural richness, with the presence, for example, of the bladderwort, a carnivorous aquatic plant. They have also led to a strong local attachment to the site and a desire to preserve it.

ENJOY THE PLACE
A walk around the lake is possible. A bench welcomes you in front of the interpretation panel, literally offering a "frame" for your contemplation or your photos!

The Conservatoire des Espaces Naturels de l'Ain offers occasional walks and activities.

The Lac de milieu was awarded the "ENS" or sensitive natural area label by the Ain Department in 2018. Sites with the ENS "Sensitive natural areas" label are managed in such a way as to preserve the biodiversity they host and are developed for opening to the public (with some exceptions due to the fragility of the environments).