Germignies Slag Heap Sensitive Nature Site

Located in the Regional Nature Park communes of Flines-lez-Raches and Marchiennes, the Germignies slag heap site covers 135 ha. It is composed of a vast flat slag heap with, at its base, a wetland area containing several hunting ponds.

Woods of birch, the dominant species on the slag heap site, alternate with clear areas and a few ponds of both natural and man-made origin. With rare and exceptional 27 flower species and the presence, during nesting periods, of European nightjar, the slag heap and its surroundings constitute one of the richest mining sites in Nord-Pas de Calais in terms of biodiversity.

Nature restoration work on the slag heap, carried out in 2005, and Sensitive Nature Site management provided by the Nord Department ensure that this remains a well protected natural asset. (Source CPIE Chaîne des Terrils)