Réserve naturelle nationale du domaine de Beauguillot

Réserve naturelle nationale du domaine de Beauguillot is a French nature reserve located in the commune of Sainte-Marie-du-Mont, in the Manche department, in Normandy. The site sits at the heart of the Baie des Veys and forms part of the Parc naturel régional des Marais du Cotentin et du Bessin.

How large is the reserve and what makes it distinctive?

The reserve has been under protection since 1980 and covers a total of 820 hectares. Of this area, 578 hectares belong to the maritime public domain, while 242 hectares are land-based territory. This combination means the reserve brings together a coastal marine environment with an inland fringe of wet meadows and dunes — an unusual pairing within such a relatively compact area.

What habitats can be found here?

The landscape of the reserve is made up of a mosaic of several environment types: intertidal mudflats exposed at low tide, salt meadows (prés salés) periodically flooded by seawater, dune systems separating land from sea, and freshwater ponds together with wet inland meadows. This diversity of habitats, set directly against the Baie des Veys, creates conditions favorable to numerous plant and animal species tied to both marine and freshwater environments.

Why is this site important for nature?

The richness of habitats translates into remarkable biodiversity — more than 1,700 taxa have been recorded within the reserve. Such a high number shows that Beauguillot functions as a key refuge for many species, including those of significant conservation value. Its position within the bay makes it an important stopover point for migratory waterbirds, for which the coastal mudflats and salt meadows serve as natural feeding and resting grounds.

Who manages the reserve and how has this changed over time?

The site was granted national nature reserve status by the French state in 1980. For many years, management of the territory was carried out by the Claude-Hettier-de-Boislambert association. On July 2, 2014, responsibility for managing the reserve passed to the Parc naturel régional des Marais du Cotentin et du Bessin, integrating Beauguillot into the region's broader network of protected wetlands.

What has changed for visitors in recent years?

New visitor facilities were inaugurated on February 10, 2024. This investment was aimed at improving access to the site and better organizing nature observation, while preserving the delicate ecological balance of this sensitive environment.

Frequently asked questions

Where exactly is the reserve located? In the commune of Sainte-Marie-du-Mont, in the Manche department, at the heart of the Baie des Veys in Normandy.

How large is the protected area? 820 hectares in total, of which 578 hectares are maritime public domain and 242 hectares are land.

Since when has the area been protected? It received national nature reserve status in 1980.

What types of habitats can be seen here? Intertidal mudflats, salt meadows, dunes, ponds, and wet meadows.

How many species have been recorded here? More than 1,700 taxa of flora and fauna.

Who currently manages the reserve? Since 2014, management has been carried out by the Parc naturel régional des Marais du Cotentin et du Bessin.