Lac de l'Hivernet

12 points of interest

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  Flora

  The larch

  The king of mountain trees in the Southern Alps, the larch is the only conifer to drop its needles in winter. In spring, its cones are a characteristic dark purple. The larch is one of the few European tree species that is imputrescible, that is to say, it does not rot. This is why, despite the fact that it twists as it dries out, it is widely use in frameworks, drinking troughs and other water holding vessels in the mountain villages. Incapable of germinating in its own undergrowth, it needs natural openings such as avalanche corridors for the young shoots to develop. It is found at altitudes in excess of 2,200 metres, adopting dwarf forms in these "combat" zones. The larch tree growing at this point on the trail is several hundred years old.

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  Pastoralism

  Woodland grazing

  The Embrun communal forest reconciles forestry and pastoral objectives. This 646 ha larch forest consists of a light wood enabling the growth of forage crops. 1200 sheep and 150 cows graze in one of the most beautiful larch forests in the Hautes-Alpes. This forest which protects the lower slopes from avalanches, from mud slides and from falling stones is a lovely example of a multifunctional forest where the production of wood for timber or for heating, coexists with grazing and for the general appreciation of the public.

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  Flora

  common nettle

  Called the common nettle, this is a stinging plant. During difficult times in history – the Middle Ages or the world wars for instance, it was consumed to help survive periods of famine and scarcity. Rich in protein, vitamins and minerals, it is highly effective health cure and is taken as a soup, and added ingredient to various other dishes or as a soft drink. Apart from this usage, in the sixteenth century it was put to industrial use, in the manufacture of paper, garments etc.

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  Flora

  Dyer’s Woad

  Punctuating the edges of the paths, this green and blue-green biennial, is also known as « Saint Philippe’s herb ». A large robust plant topped with a parasol of yellow flowers, it has many uses. While its leaves provide a blue dye used to colour clothes, façades and carts (the famous « blue cart » which had the virtue of repelling flies), its roots are used against the mumps, infectious hepatitis, sore throat or the fever.

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  Flora

  Meadow buttercup

  More commonly called the buttercup, this is a very familiar flower. It flowers from May to September, and commonly grows in grasslands and the edges of tracks. Its stems and leaves are slightly hairy. It is seldom eaten by livestock because it is toxic, and it only loses its toxicity when dried. This plant is a member of the large family Ranunculaceae.

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  Fauna

  The roe deer

  Slender, agile and quick-footed, the roe deer is very shy but leaves the imprint of its delicate hooves in the snow or mud, right up to the alpine zone. It can also be identified by its loud "vocalisation" because it utters a loud bark when disturbed. In the half-light, they are sometimes given away by their "mirror", the white mark under their tails, heart-shaped in the does and bean-shaped in the stags. When very young, the fawn is covered in white spots which camouflage it. This «bambi» very often lies concealed in the grass. If you see one, don't touch it. It hasn't been abandoned.

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  Flora

  Dandelion

  Called dandelion (from the French dent de lion - lion's tooth) with reference to its toothed leaves. Although despised by gardeners, this plant is actually a valuable ally. The use of the dandelion as a medicinal plant goes back to Ancient Greece. Young dandelion leaves are served as a salad or blanched like spinach. The flowers were traditionally used to make a wine reputed to be fortifying and they can also be infused in a sugar syrup, creating a kind of honey-like jam called cramaillotte.

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  Flora

  Spring gentian

  A member of the family of small perennial gentians, this gentian has a deep blue flower and can be recognised by its short stem bearing one or two pairs of opposing leaves. It can be identified in particular by its pointed leaves grouped in a rosette at the base, at least twice as long as they are wide. It is a plant capable of adapting to a very wide altitude range, from the hill level to the alpine level..

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  Flora

  Mountain holly fern

  This species of fern develops its leaves in the spring. Its foliage is semi-evergreen and it is quite hardy, capable of withstanding frosts down to -20°C. The fern is one of the earliest plants to appear on earth.

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  Flora

  Creeping thyme

  A member of the large family of thymes, the creeping thyme has been known for its medicinal virtues since ancient times. It is a perennial plant whose stems spread across the ground. The flowers are grouped into spikes and are produced from June to October. It grows in dry habitats and can be found at altitudes of up to 2,400 metres. This plant is ideal taken as a tisane, for easing a cough and keeping the bronchial tubes clear.

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  Fauna

  Marmot

  A medium-sized rodent, the marmot is emblematic of high-altitude meadows. It has a massive, almost cylindrical body, short ears and stocky legs with strong claws. It emits a high-pitched, powerful whistle at the slightest danger. A true hibernator, it is only visible from April to October. Marmots live in families. There are many social relationships: grooming and games, while fights and bites also ensure the cohesion of the group and respect for the hierarchy.

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  Fauna

  The Grey Cuckoo

  This is a medium-sized migratory bird, identified by its "cuckoo" song, from April to July, between woodland and open spaces.
  The females seek out the nests of small sparrows and eat one of the eggs of the occupied nest before laying their own. In the cuckooed nest, the cuckoo chick, which is born before the others, will eject all the other eggs so it can be raised by its adoptive parents.

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