The lake of Millieu and marshes of 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 species of protected birds can be observed: the purple heron, the scared reed warbler and the snipe.
- In addition to rare spiders, the site contains protected amphibians and reptiles. The fish in the lake are: carp, tench and redhead.

A LITTLE HISTORY
The Lac de Millieu and the Marais du Vernay once formed a single wetland. Their turbulent history dates back to the Middle Ages, when their water was diverted to the town of Lhuis to supply the flour mills.
Then during the French Revolution, the fear of malaria and the lack of agricultural land probably prompted the villagers to dry out the area, before discovering a new use for it: the retting of hemp, a technique of maceration to separate the bark from the rod.

These are the developments carried out later, which led to the area being made into two distinct sites: the Lac de Millieu dedicated to fish farming – certainly from the end of the 19th century – and the Vernay marsh used for mowing.

True cultural heritage, these ancient uses have contributed to the current appearance of the site and favored its natural richness, with the presence for example of bladderwort, an aquatic carnivorous plant. They have also led to a strong local attachment to this 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" to your contemplation or your photos!

Walks and activities are offered from time to time by the Conservatoire des Espaces Naturels de l'Ain.

The Lac de milieu was labeled "ENS" or sensitive natural space by the Department of Ain in 2018. Sites with the ENS "Sensitive natural spaces" label are managed in such a way as to preserve the biodiversity they host and developed to open to the public (with exceptions due to the fragility of the environment).