Soil diagnosis and revitalisation with Our Nature Throughout the Seasons
From March 2026, Le Moulin de Babel and Notre Nature au Fil des Saisons will have entered into a five-year partnership dedicated to observing the soils, landscapes and biodiversity present around the Mill.
Trained in observing wild plants, bio-indicator plants, and ethnobotany, Danièle will guide us in creating a genuine observatory of living things. This approach is based particularly on the methodology developed by Gérard Ducerf to better understand the links between soils, water, vegetation, biodiversity, and human activities..
A valley suitable for observation
Located on the doorstep of Mont-Saint-Michel bay, the Moulin valley is carved by the Bouexière before joining The Couesnon marshes. On just a few hectares, ponds, a stream, wet meadows, wooded slopes, and transition zones all lie alongside each other. Where the agricultural lands of the plateau meet the wetlands at the bottom of the valley, this small valley forms a true open-air laboratory where it is possible to observe the interactions between soil, water, vegetation, biodiversity, and agricultural practices.
Upon our arrival, a large part of the meadows was regularly mown or cut. We chose to leave certain areas are allowed to develop more freely and fallen trees are occasionally retained to create refuges for wildlife.Little by little, more wildflowers, insects and birds reappear with the changing seasons, offering the opportunity to better understand the balances of living things and their evolution over time.
Understanding soil through plants
Over the spring of 2026, an initial observational study was carried out a floristic inventory from the valley in late May. It constitutes the starting point of this long-term monitoring aiming to document the evolution of environments, the return of certain species and the links that unite agriculture, water, soils and biodiversity.
These observations provide a better understanding of theThe role of plants in the functioning and restoration of environments soil protection, erosion control, water retention, organic matter production, and biodiversity return. The aim is to better understand the balances of this site before considering any potential revitalisation actions.
An observatory open to visitors
This partnership will gradually give rise to an online herbarium of the valley, to a journal of life as well as various activities open to visitors.
The first wild plant discovery walks have already begun in June 2026. They combine observation of living things, understanding of ecosystems, and learning botanical identification in order to take a closer look at the landscapes around us. Like the rest of the project, they will evolve with the seasons, the discoveries made in the field, and the exchanges with participants.
Because knowledge only truly makes sense when it is shared, This project also aims to To forward to the greatest number the observations and discoveries made throughout the seasons.
Setting up cooking workshops constitutes one of the next steps in this project. Learning to recognise a plant, understanding the environment in which it grows, and then discovering its culinary uses is often one of the most beautiful ways to To create a tangible link with the living.
Let time do its work
Since our arrival, we've chosen to let nature take its course. Season after season, we observe the return of numerous species and the evolution of the estate's different environments.
Over the years, observations, inventories, and accumulated knowledge will enrich this collective project and help to better understandvalley balances.
At the Moulin de Babel, we are convinced that we best protect what we understand. This partnership is above all an invitation to take a closer look at living things and the links that unite species, landscapes, and human activities.
For more information: Our Nature Through the Seasons