The Brenne: Land of a Thousand Lakes

On 4 March, Ann Shore delivered a fascinating and insightful talk on the French

regional park of La Brenne, exploring its rich ecology, history, and wildlife. 

She covered the region’s past, its people and culture, as well as the unique geography

that has shaped its natural landscape. Her presentation was beautifully illustrated with

images of the area’s lakes, villages, and wildlife, including European pond turtles and

wading birds. La Brenne also lies on the migration route of cranes, a spectacular sight

when they pass overhead. The delicate balance of its wildlife is carefully maintained

through conservation efforts. 

With a history dating back to the Middle Ages, La Brenne’s distinctive network of lakes

was originally created from marshland to the north of the River Creuse, which divides

the region into La Grande Brenne in the north and La Petite Brenne in the south. The

interconnected lakes were developed for carp farming, a practice that continues today.

The area remains deeply rural, with only two towns. Le Blanc, with its Château Naillac

and the Écomusée de la Brenne, is the more prominent, while the quieter St Gaultier

sits on the Creuse River. Villages and hamlets are scattered across the park, linked by a

strong network of rural roads. 

The talk provided a fascinating look at the lake system in operation. The lakes are

arranged in a descending network, each controlled by sluice gates that regulate water

levels. Rainwater fills the uppermost lake, and as the fish mature, the water is gradually

drained into the next lake below, allowing the carp to be netted in the traditional manner.

Each lake is then refilled from its higher neighbour and restocked, ensuring a

continuous cycle of sustainable fish farming, a practice that has endured for centuries. 

The Creuse River is the lifeblood of the region, shaping both its geography and its

communities. The preservation of heritage is the primary concern for La Brenne,

ensuring that its cultural and natural landscapes remain intact. Centuries-old traditions

continue to define both its people and its place in the world.