Seillon wood

On the outskirts of Bourg-en-Bresse, this state-owned forest, created by the Carthusian monks, covers 630 hectares.

An exceptional natural area with century-old trees, this oak grove managed by the Office national des forêts is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna. Main tree species: Oak (71%), Hornbeam (15%), Beech (9%), other hardwoods (5%).

An ancient forest
Seillon was first mentioned in 1084, in a document establishing the boundaries of the Saint-Pierre de Brou priory. In 1131, the priory of Seillon was founded, returning to the Carthusian order in 1170. Ten years later, the Sires de Bâgé, then those of Saix and Coligny, donated the immense forest surrounding the priory to the monks.
In November 1789, the forest was made available to the Nation and became state property. The Carthusian monastery was sold in 1791 and converted into an orphanage in the 19th century.

Quality oaks.
The Seillon state forest is rich in quality sessile oaks that supply the local and regional market.
Seillon oaks have always been renowned for their quality, and were used to build the roofs of the Monastère Royal de Brou.

An environmental role
The forest limits the risk of flooding in urbanized areas in the event of flooding by playing an important retention role in relation to the La Reyssouze river. Its "buffer" role enables water to be stored during rainy periods and gradually released during dry periods.
The Seillon state forest is home to typical lowland oak fauna.
The main mammals are roe deer, wild boar, foxes, badgers, martens and hares at the edges.
Among the diversity of birds, we note the presence of all woodpecker species, including the black woodpecker and the pileated woodpecker, emblematic species of ancient oak forests.
Among insects, the most symbolic is the kite lucanus, a species attached to old oaks.
Flora includes lily of the valley, anemone and periwinkle!

Welcoming all publics
Located to the south of Bourg-en-Bresse, the wooded territory of the Seillon state forest is a vast green lung for the urban area. The forest's lack of topography, numerous access points and public facilities make it accessible to the widest possible public.
It is very popular with local residents, who come here to recharge their batteries, play sports or stroll through the centuries-old oaks and the relaxing atmosphere of the undergrowth.

Its natural values and its capacity to welcome the public have led the Ain department to label the Seillon state-owned forest a "Sensitive Natural Area".

A range of leisure facilities are available to suit all tastes: a fitness trail, an educational forest discovery trail for children and families, hiking, horse-riding and mountain-biking trails, a Randocroquis drawing and photography trail, playgrounds and picnic areas.
A "voie verte" links the forest to the Bouvent water sports centre... a great way to go green!

Accessible by bike and on foot from Bourg-en-Bresse via the Bouvent leisure park!

3 educational trails dedicated to children, and its sensitive natural area, inaugurated. A discovery trail has been created for families (children aged 6 to 12)! PDF booklet:
https://www.bourgenbressetourisme.fr/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/EPF_Seillon_Parcours_Familles.pdf

Forest educational area in the Seillon state forest
Designed to welcome schoolchildren in the best possible conditions.
This area is designed to accommodate classes from primary to secondary school level. This privileged natural setting is an ideal place to raise children's awareness not only of life in the forest, but also of forest management and forestry trades.
It comprises :
- A reception area with two shelters, a bench and dry toilets,
- Three educational trails with activity markers,
- Educational booklets for children and one for teachers.

ENS label: True natural and landscaped jewels of the Ain department, ENS-labeled sites are preserved through local management and, where the fragility of the site allows, made accessible to as many people as possible.

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