The Valley of the Dan
*sensitive natural area
« it’s a green hollow where a river sings »
There’s no doubt that the valley of the Dan would have inspired Arthur Rimbaud ! This pretty waterway and its pretty valley are indeed very inspiring and soothing for the walker who takes the time to observe the fauna and flora there : it’s a haven of tranquility that is important to preserve !
This tributary of the Orne which extends exactly over 21.1 kilometers, has its source in Anisy and then flows through five other villages : Mathieu, Periers sur le Dan, Bieville-Beuville, Blainville sur Orne and Herouville Saint-Clair.
In Herouville, the Dan divides and gives a branch , the little Dan, which goes through the domain of Beauregard and flows into the canal from Caen to the sea. The other branch of the Dan continues its route in the wetlands between Bieville-Beuville and Blainville( the river separates the two districts), passes through a channel under the canal and flows into the Orne.
The sensitive natural area of the valley of the Dan
The department of Calvados made a commitment in 1977 to acquire natural spaces recognized for their ecological and landscape interest in order to preserve them : reason why it is the owner of several plots in the valley of the Dan.
In this sensitive natural area of the valley of the Dan, we find dragonflies, butterflies, frogs and birds specific to wetlands but also protected plants such as belladona, rapunzel or dropfly…The Dan being a swallow watercourse, also proliferates a large amount of wild aquatic plants.
The presence downstream of the oppidum ( non-accessible) and Gallo-Roman remains ( dating from the time this arm of the Dan was navigable) also explains this desire for preservation.
