LIFE TBFPA - Headwater streams and faunistic Heritage associated

The project aimed to test different techniques in order to preserve, restore or improve the quality of the headwaters and their associated habitats as well as to manage species associated with headwater streams in the Bourgogne and Franche-Comté regions of France. Specific works to restore the physical integrity or ecological continuity of streams included the removal of nine obstacles and the installation of a fish ladder to help migrating fish species. Six ponds were removed and two bypassed so that habitats and ecological continuity were restored and better water quality was obtained. Four streams were worked on to restore their natural course. A total of 63 permanent crossing points and watering places were set up to protect streams from machinery crossing during farming or forestry activities or from cattle. A new approach to forest management was developed. A strategy was developed to study the potential for setting up purification systems in rural areas, to deal with the issue of poor water quality, Inventories were also carried out. The project raised awareness among local among different audiences, stakeholders and included demonstration days for the general public and events for forest workers. The final conference attracted 220 participants from 41 French departments and 7 other EU countries.