Reclaiming nature in urban environments

^{Photo © Pierre André, CC BY-SA 4.0/Wikimedia Commons}

Located in the Pas-de-Calais region, Saint-Venant is crossed by five rivers. In particular, it lies at the confluence of the Lys and Guarbecque rivers. Its municipal team has embarked on a project to reclaim nature in the city. How can this be achieved? By restoring the wetlands in the commune.

Starting in 2021, the project comprises several stages to requalify the natural environments: pike spawning grounds must be created or restored, wetlands recomposed through appropriate works and planting, and watercourses (disturbed by inappropriate vegetation and logjams that reduce the life of the river) brought back to life.

Already, 2.10 hectares of wetlands have been acquired by the town council, and a green network has been created by planting 540 trees and 460 shrubs, as well as a flower meadow. In 2023 and 2024, the program includes a 1,500-metre clean-up of the river in partnership with a social integration organization. The Veolia Foundation supports this dual ambition of nature restoration and solidarity.