Interpretation on and beside peatlands: visitor centres and education

Case study

Maison du Patrimoine, Locarn, France

The village of Locarn lies on a junction between granite and slate bedrocks. The underlying geology has influenced both the area's nature and its industrial past. Since 2000, the Maison du Patrimoine has welcomed between four and five thousand visitors each year to learn about the area's mining heritage, its wildlife and its religious significance. The centre is run by l'Association Locarn, Tourisme et Culture (see this relevant local website). It cost 4.5 million francs, with 50% funding from the EU.

The heritage centre was set up under the Conseil General des Côtes d'Armor's Maison Nature policy which aims to promote the department's natural heritage through environmental education, contribute to the creation of an eco-territory which would in turn serve the Department's territorial policy, and aid local development through the creation of sustainable employment.  Maisons Nature provides interpretation, information, education and training as well as providing a place to experiment and demonstrate different practices.

Additional notes: Environmental action in Côtes d'Armor

With around 370km of coastline and diverse habitats, the natural heritage of the Conseil General des Côtes d'Armor is one of its most valuable assets.  Its policy for sensitive natural sites ( Espaces Naturels Sensibles) protects 35km of coastline and 60 natural sites in partnership with the agency Conservatoire de L'Espace Littoral, local communities and environmental associations.

Its environmental actions are funded by local taxation. A tax is levied against each new house built (Tax Départmentale Espaces Naturels Sensibles), raising around 2 million € per year.

The Conseil aquires land through mutual agreements with the landowner, through management contracts and, exceptionally, by compulsory purchase. It works with a wide range of partners including Région Bretage (through Contrat Nature), local communities (management agreements, wardens and site improvements), local and regional environmental associations (interpretation, site management planning), the Office National des Fôrets (the National Forestry Board), farmers (managing disused lands) and universities and scientists.

Since 1996 the Conseil has created six natural heritage centres (Maisons Natures) providing thematic interpretation of the area.