Have just spent a couple of days with clients from the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust on a tour of wildlife sites in the Cotentin peninsula in Normandy, looking at the promotion and management of nature tourism in a destination best known for its recent military heritage. The team from the Parc Naturel Regional des Marais du Cotentin et du Bessin were very hospitable and went out of their way to demonstrate how they are developing a range of products and itineraries to attract tourists for short stays at any time of the year, and also to tap into the D-Day market, encouraging those 'touristes du memoire' to spend at least half a day exploring the landscape of the peninsula. After all, it was the 'boccage' - those small fields surrounded by thick hedgerows - that held up the Allied advance for so long.
I was particularly impressed at the work that the ParK authorities are doing developing craft building skills so that they can restore the cob houses (made of pressed mud/ clay) of the area - indeed, the first temporary exhibition in their new visitor centre just north of Carenta
n is on the subject of earth building. That new visitor centre uses some of the traditional techniques as well as a design based on a Norman Manor House to provide a wonderful gateway to the regional park. And one of the main tourist attractions - the Maison du Marais (left) represents the culmination of a two year restoration project using those traditional building skills.
n is on the subject of earth building. That new visitor centre uses some of the traditional techniques as well as a design based on a Norman Manor House to provide a wonderful gateway to the regional park. And one of the main tourist attractions - the Maison du Marais (left) represents the culmination of a two year restoration project using those traditional building skills.In terms of promoting responsible tourism, the Park's tourism and economic development team are also working with local food producers and restaurants to develop local supply chains, and with farmers to ensure a sustainable approach to land management, particularly in the marshes - the Marais - that constitute the special landscape of the area. For anyone contemplating a short break in Northern France where you are guaranteed good food and a unique mix of cultural and natural heritage, I really recommend a trip to Cotentin (http://www.parc-cotentin-bessin.fr/). Ferries from Portsmouth go to Caen/Ouistreham or Cherbourg - both ports less than an hour's drive from the area. 
And yes - there is lots of wildlife including several pairs of nesting White Storks, Marsh Harriers and grey seals out in the bay.
And yes - there is lots of wildlife including several pairs of nesting White Storks, Marsh Harriers and grey seals out in the bay.
