Life Elia

• Action: Edges
• Region: Haute Durance
• Biogeographical region: Alpine
• Partner: Ecrins National Park and ONF
• Site location: Districts of Espinasses, Saint Apollinaire, Puy St Eusèbe and Puy Sanières
• Electrical system: 150,000-volt power line
• Protection status of the area: ZNIEFF, Natura 2000 FR9301509

Ecological interest in the area

Natural habitats present in the area:

Alpine and subalpine calcareous grassland (Natura 2000 code: 6170), semi-natural dry grasslands and scrubland facies on calcareous substrates (Festuco Brometalia) (*important orchid sites) (N2000 code: 6210), Juniperus communis formations on heaths or calcareous grasslands (N2000 code: 5130)

In terms of plants, the region is particularly characterised by the presence of foxtail milk vetch (Astragalus alopecurus), a nationally protected species and included on the Red List of threatened species; lady's slipper orchid (Cypripedium calceolus), also nationally protected and included on the Red List of threatened species, typical for semi-shade locations; kengia serotina (Kengia serotina), a regionally protected species, but not very common in the project area.

For insects, we can highlight the presence here of the "most beautiful beetle in Europe", the rosalia longicorn (Rosalia alpina), directly linked to old-growth beech woods rich in dead wood. The fact that these have become rare and a rapid growth in demand for firewood have been harmful to the species. We also draw attention to the presence of the Spanish festoon (Zerynthia rumina) prospering in the areas that are left open.

For reptiles, the ocellated lizard (Timon lepidus) is present in the region, typical for dry environments that still offer dense shrub vegetation; restored and managed edges are favourable environments for this species.

To conclude this list, we can add two bird species: the black grouse (Tetrao tetrix), a species in decline on the Red List of birds in France and the boreal owl (Aegolius funereus), Annexe I of the Birds Directive (no 79/409 of 6 April 1979) and protected in France.

This line does not yet exist but it is in the process of being created. Situated in one of the most beautiful natural parks in France (Ecrins), no effort is being spared when it comes to reducing as far as possible the impact on the landscape. In this context, the LIFE project will suggest the installation of graded edges composed mainly of dog rose, sea buckthorn and slender broom in the places where corridors are to be created.

Inter-season pasture is also envisaged for the area.

The LIFE project will work with the ONF, the Ecrins National Park and ECOMED which will play the role of liaison between the RTE project and local actors through local information meetings, among other things.