The Znieff du vallon de Senance covers one of the most important and typical natural sites on the Langres plateau. This steep valley cuts deep into the Langres plateau, is bordered by steep cliffs and ends in a series of narrow gorges.
For nature lovers:
The edge of the plateau and the slopes are home to montane-type forests, similar to those found in the Jura, which vary according to orientation: maple grove (on large boulders), dental beech grove, xerophilous beech grove, plateau oak grove-charmaie...etc. A network of springs, streams and marshes occupies the valley floor, and meadows can be found downstream. Finally, the hard limestone cliffs are home to a particular type of vegetation.
Vegetation:
More than fifteen plant species, rare and endangered in the Hte-Marne region, can be found in this sector, mostly of mountain or southern origin, depending on exposure, including Dentaire pennée, Cynoglosse des montagnes, Orme scabre, Scolopendre, Actée en épi, Arabette des sables, Buis, Lunaire vivace...etc. The latter is protected in Champagne Ardenne, but has only three localities in Haute-Marne.
Mountain Cynoglossus or German Cynoglossus, as its name suggests, is a species found in the mountains of Central Europe. It can be found in dry, nitrate-rich areas of limestone terrain, such as the edges of burrows, game resting places and rock shelters. The hooks on its fruit enable it to be spread by mammals.
An interesting fauna:
The fauna is remarkably rich, including various reptiles and amphibians. The avifauna is characterized in particular by numerous passerines (various warblers, Pipits and Warblers), various woodpeckers and birds of prey. The site is frequented by numerous mammals (fox, dormouse, marten, deer, roe deer, etc.). The entomofauna is varied, particularly in terms of butterflies (Little Sylvain, Tristan, Spanish Tobacco, Tircis, Geographic Map, etc.).
The Pine marten frequents both deciduous and coniferous forests. This species is in decline throughout Europe. Mainly nocturnal, it lodges in tree holes, rock crevices or abandoned squirrel nests.
