Post on 22-Jan-2022
France - The Cevennes
Naturetrek Tour Report 10 - 17 May 2012
Naturetrek Cheriton Mill Cheriton Alresford Hampshire SO24 0NG England
T: +44 (0)1962 733051 F: +44 (0)1962 736426
E: info@naturetrek.co.uk W: www.naturetrek.co.uk
Report and cover images compiled by Mark Galliott
Group photo at end of report by Bettye Reynolds
Daphne cneorum, la maxine Nimes le Vieux
Adonis vernalis,Causse Méjean Dactylorhiza sambucina, Col du Rey
Tour Report France - The Cevennes
© Naturetrek May 12 1
Tour Leader: Mark Galliott - Naturalist
Participants: Bettye Reynolds
Richard Simon
Matthew Limbrick
Cliff Marshall
Day 1 Thursday 10th May
Warm and sunny
The flight was a little late into Montpellier as Mark, who lives in France, met the rest of the group after they had
retrieved their baggage. Then quickly loading up the minibus we were soon on our way on to the autoroute,
before turning off and skirting Montpellier by means of the new by-pass. As we started to climb up onto the
scenic Corniche des Cevennes, wonderful views started to unfold on both sides of the road, with fields literally
white with thousands of plants of Pheasant’s Eye Narcissus-Narcissus poetidus. We then descended to Florac,
crossing the River Tarnon and skirted the town past the old railway station before turning onto the road to
Cocurès, our base for the week. As we arrived at the hotel, la Lozerette, Pierette was there to greet us, and we
were quickly allocated our rooms, before enjoying the first of the week’s good dinners
Day 2 Friday 11th May
Hot and sunny
With the weather being so settled, we decided on our first day in the field to head for the granite topped Mont
Lozère, at 1699 metres, the highest point in the Cevennes, via the upper Tarn Valley and the old Camisard
(protestant) village of Pont de Montvert. Before reaching the village though we stopped twice at lay-bys to
explore, good plants found being Piorno Broom – Cytisus purgans, Tower Mustard-Arabis glabra, the giant
umbellifer-Molospermum pelopennesiacum, the endemic Saxifrage-S. pedemontana prosti and both Annual and Perennial
Knawel-Scleranthus annuus and perennis for comparison. Some butterflies were on the wing here with Sooty
Copper, Holly Blue, Dingy Skipper, Orange Tip and both Weaver’s and Marbled Fritillaries, while the liquid song
of our first Nightingale could be heard in the valley below.
Climbing up to higher altitudes it was apparent that the bad weather of the previous weeks had retarded the
flowering period of many of the plants. We did have the compensation though of seeing plants that would
normally have flowered earlier with drifts of yellow Daffodils-Narcissus pseudonarcissus, both Spring & White-
flowered Crocus-Crocus vernus & C. albiflorus and one bloom of the rare Spring Pasque Flower-Pulsatilla vernalis.
After a short walk, the views at the top were magnificent with wide ranging vistas all around, with snow still to
be seen on the higher mountains of the Auvergne to the north. Birds seen here were Linnet, Red-backed Shrike,
Wheatear, Coal Tit and both Tawny and Water Pipit.
On the leisurely drive back to the hotel we admired more fields white with Narcissi, while a roadside was covered
with dozens of both yellow and pink Elder-flowered Orchids-Dactylorhiza sambucina.
France - The Cevennes Tour Report
2 © Naturetrek May 12
Other spots yielded Creeping Snapdragon-Asarina procumbens, Daisy-leaved Toadflax-Anarrhinum bellidifolium, and
the rare and diminutive Forez Spleenwort-Asplenium foreziense, while we had good views of a dashing male Hen
Harrier, before descending spectacularly down into the valley back to our hotel at Cocurès.
Day 3 Saturday 12th May
Hot and sunny, thundery later
We awoke to a clear blue sky and after breakfast left the hotel to follow the River Tarn down to the main road,
and then turning left into the spectacular gorge gouged out of the limestone by the river over many eons of time.
We made a brief stop at Pont Ispagnac, where a pair of Dippers were briefly glimpsed on the river and two Red
Squirrels also gave good close views in the adjacent trees, before continuing along the valley and crossing the
river again on a narrow pontoon bridge to the old village of Castelbouc, seemingly built around a large outcrop
below the high limestone cliffs. Here we found some of the special plants that have made the rocks and cliffs
their home, including Maidenhair Fern-Adiantum capillus-veneris, Malling Toadflax-Chaenorrhinum organifolium, Rock
Soapwort-Saponaria ocymoides, Woad-Isatis tinctoria and the endemic Cevennes Saxifrage-Saxifraga cebennensis.
We then walked a pleasant path alongside some abandoned terraces finding our first Orchids, some magnificent
spikes of Military-Orchis militaris and Lady-O.purpurea along with the much less showy Small Spider Orchid-Ophrys
araneola with Wild Jasmine-Jasminum fruticans and Shepherd’s Needle-Scandix pectin-veneris also good finds.
Butterflies now started to make an appearance with Little & Common Blue, Brown Argus, Wood White,
Cleopatra, Berger’s Clouded Yellow and both Common & Scarce Swallowtail. Bonelli’s Warbler could be heard
all around us with Crag Martin’s flying overhead, while a handsome male Green Lizard showed off his blue
throat.
Continuing down to the picturesque small town of Ste Enimiè, we then took the road up onto the Causse
Méjean, admiring the views as we climbed to take a late lunch at the Col de Copernac. After enjoying our picnic
meal, we then returned back down to marvel at the panorama down the gorge of the belvedere overlooking the
village of St Chély du Tarn, far, far below in the gorge, before returning to explore the vast open causse
(limestone plateau) at two or three choice stops. Monkey and the endemic Aymonin’s Fly Orchid-Orchis simia &
Ophrys aymoninii were good additions along with Montpellier Milk Vetch- Astragalus monspessulanus, Hepatica-
Hepatica nobilis, Grape Hyacinth-Muscari neglectum, the rare Yellow Pheasant’s-eye- Adonis vernalis and hundreds of
plants of the lovely endemic Cevennes Pasque Flower-Pulsatilla rubra ssp rubra. Overhead we saw Red Kite, our
first impressive Griffin Vultures, a flock of at least 20 Red-billed Choughs, while both Yellowhammer and Cirl
Bunting songs were heard and compared. Before returning to the hotel, we just had time to stop at another view
point overlooking Florac and Cocurès, to marvel at an approaching thunder storm complete with lightning
pyrotechnics.
Day 4 Sunday 13th May
Warm and sunny, windy
Today, we drove the short distance up into the hills to the south-east of Florac, stopping firstly at St Laurent-de
Trêves, where the dinosaur footprints in the exposed limestone rock (180 million years old) caused much
discussion.
France - The Cevennes Tour Report
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Continuing up higher onto the causse, we stopped at both the Col du Rey and the Col des Fesses, where once
again it seemed that many of the plants were only just coming into flower, although Burnt-tip-Neotinea ustulata,
Green-winged- Anacamptis morio, Early Purple-Orchis mascula, and Butterfly Orchids -Platanthera chlorantha were
added to the list, along with more Monkey, Lady and Elder-flowered Orchids. Grizzled Skipper, Green
Hairstreak, Painted Lady, both Queen of Spain & Small Pearl-bordered Fritillaries and the impressive day flying
moth, the Tau Emperor were on the wing. Birds were somewhat scarce today, with sightings of Buzzard,
Kestrel, Tree Pipit and Common Crossbill, while the lovely fluting song of a Woodlark could be heard drifting
across the scrub.
After a picnic stop at a roadside lay-by with a convenient stone table, we continued along the Corniche, stopping
firstly at l’Hospitalet, where some more fields of white Narcissi were admired, and then an area of superb
downland absolutely covered in colourful flowers, including Blue Bugle-Ajuga genevensis, yellow Dragon’s Teeth-
Tetragonolobus maritimus, white Field Mouse-ear-Cerastium arvense, Maiden Pink-Dianthus deltoids and 1000’s of the
deep red Cevennes Pasque Flower.
We returned to Florac by way of the scenic road which traverses the schist country through the old picturesque
village of Barre-des-Cevennes. The change in rock brought us some different plants with Tree Heather-Erica
arborea, Sage-leaved Cistus-Cistus salvifolius, an attractive white Sandwort-Arenaria montana, the endemic Cevennes
Thyme-Thymus nitens and the large yellow daisy-like Urospermum dalechampii. We then enjoyed a coffee/beer stop in
the main square of Florac, before returned back to the hotel after another very successful day.
Day 5 Monday 14th May
Warm and sunny
As the fine sunny weather was still holding firm, we decided to make for the other massif of Mont Aigoual,
which lies to the south west of Florac, via the Col de Purjuret. Stopping just before and at the Col itself, new
plants enjoyed were Man Orchid-Orchis anthropophora, Purple Gromwell-Lithospermum purpurocaerulea, Fly
Honeysuckle-Lonicera xylosteum, Bastard Balm-Melittis melissophyllum and St Bernard’s Lily-Anthericum liliago.
Butterflies seen were Turquoise Blue, Red-underwing Skipper, Wood White and Meadow Fritillary, while bird
interest was provided by a Stonechat, a male Montagu’s Harrier with a female Red-backed Shrike also delighted
us by sitting on a post right next to the mini-bus.
Reaching the top car park next to the weather station on Mont Aigoual, we were amazed by the superb visibility
allowing us to pick out the snow on both the Alps to the east and the Pyrenees in the west, with the lagoons of
the Mediterranean coast also visible to the south. This was a rare treat indeed, as this mountain is reputed to be
the wettest place in France and consequently often covered in cloud and mist. We took a short walk here, noting
Cat’s-foot-Antennaria dioica, Wild Tulip–Tulipa sylvestris ssp australis, more Daffodils, and the rare little Mignonette-
Sesamoides pygmaea. Driving down through the extensive Beech forests, we ate our picnic lunch at the Lac de
Bonheur, where the lake was full of mating Common Toads, with some nice meadows nearby yielded Frog
Orchid-Coeloglossum viride, Pasque Flower-Pulsatilla vulgaris and Aconite-leaved Buttercup-Ranunculus aconitifolius. A
very obliging Short-toed Eagle came very close over our heads distinctly showing us its pale underside and dark
bib under its head.
France - The Cevennes Tour Report
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The rest of the afternoon was spent at Nimes le Vieux, a vast jumble of rocks and scrub where the dolomitic
limestone rock has been eroded over time into fantastic shapes. Here there is an assemblage of interesting plants
including the Crested Lousewort-Pedicularis comosa, Garland Flower-Daphne cneorum, Fairy Foxglove-Erinus alpinus,
Grass-leaved Buttercup-Ranunculus gramineus and not yet in flower the Cevennes endemics Potentilla caerulescens ssp
cebennensis. A splendid male Hen Harrier was an added bonus, before we departed.
Day 6 Tuesday 15th May
Cold and windy, showers pm
Although still sunny, the strong northerly wind had ensured that the temperatures had dropped significantly
overnight, so after breakfast we headed westwards for the Causse Noir, one of the most westerly of the
limestone plateaux. We drove through the Tarnon Valley and over the Col de Perjuret again and down into the
pleasant town of Meyrueis, before climbing up on to the Causse Noir stopping firstly near the crossroads of la
Pierre des Trois Évêques (the stone of three Bishops). Here there were many Orchids including both Early
Spider Orchid-Ophrys aranifera and the rare and localised Passiontide Orchid-Ophrys passionis and nearby Lesser
Wintergreen-Pyrola minor, Sand Catchfly-Silene conica, and a Bastard Toadflax-Thesium divaricatum.
We then drove further into the Causse to St André de-Vezines, where inexplicably the road to our next
scheduled site was blocked by having been totally dug up by the local council! We did though find some good
plants in open pine woodland nearby including both Sword-leaved & Large White Helleborines-Cephalanthera
longifolia & C. damasonium, Yellow Bee Orchid-Ophrys lutea, Mountain Kidney Vetch-Anthyllis montana, Narbonne
Flax-Linum narbonense, Large Yellow Flax- Linum campanulatum and the attractive Feather Grass-Stipa pennata.
Moving on, we ate lunch in a sheltered spot amongst the trees right next to clumps of Common Spotted and
Bird’s-nest Orchids-Dactylorhiza fuchsia and Neottia nidus-avis, both new for the week, whilst at the same time we
were able to identify two new butterfly species, Green-underside Blue and Spotted Fritillary, which were also
seeking shelter from the wind in the ground vegetation. The rest of the afternoon was spent exploring likely
spots here, before descending back down into Meyruueis for a welcome coffee, where surprisingly our only
Serins of the week were recorded.
We returned to the hotel via the Causse Méjean, passing the enclosure where Przewalski’s wild horse have been
bred over the last decade, noting three animals, with a large flock of Red-billed Chough and some more Griffin
Vultures the only other species of note.
Day 7 Wednesday 16th May
Cold am, warm & sunny pm
Today we were to spend the majority of the day exploring the western Causse Méjean, so leaving the hotel we
drove down the Tarn Gorge, through Ste Énimie and on to stop at La Malène, yet another attractive village
nestled below the towering cliffs. Here, despite the cold temperatures we had a pleasant walk along the river with
some good plants including Golden Drop-Onosma fastigiata and Buckler Cress-Biscutella laeviata, while on our
return to mini-bus we were delighted to see a pair of Dippers taking it in turns to go in and out of their nest in a
hole of a stone bridge support.
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It was then straight up the spectacular zig-zag road that winds up on to the Causse, stopping firstly to admire a
cornfield full of scarlet Pyrenean Pheasant’s-eye-Adonis flammea and Corn Buttercup-Ranunculus arvensis, before
arriving at the Roc de Hourtous, another view point over the gorge. The rare and enigmatic Lady’s Slipper
Orchid-Cypripedium calceolus grows near here, but unfortunately yet again the cold April had retarded its flowering,
although somewhat in recompense Lily-of-the-Valley-Covalleria majalis was in bud and the endemic Cevennes
Butterwort-Pinguicula longifolia ssp caussensis was in full flower.
After a pleasant lunch, a short drive brought us to a small rocky outcrop, where there was a superb assemblage
of plants including Matted Globularia-Globularia cordifolia, Broad-leaved Marsh Orchid-Dactylorhiza majalis, more
Garland Flower, and the star of the show many beautiful blue blooms of Cevennes Trumpet Gentian-Gentiana
clusii ssp cevennensis, endemic to this region and even here restricted to a handful of sites. Moving a little further
down to the ruined Chateau de Blanquefort, built amid a lofty jumble of dolomitic cliffs, we could observe many
Griffin Vultures at close quarters gliding along the cliff edge just above our heads. Raven, Short-toed Eagle and
Alpine Swift were also good spots, while Firecrest and Black Woodpecker with its strange call were both heard.
Good plants here were Pyrenean Bellflower-Campanula speciosa, Curry Plant-Helichrysum stoechas, the little white
Peaflower-Dorycnium pentaphyllum and another endemic Valerian-Centranthus lecoquii.
After also admiring the views from this wonderful vantage point, we then drove down to le Rozier where the
Tarn and Jonte Rivers meet, before driving up the latter back to Meyruies, Florac and the hotel for the last of our
dinners.
Day 8 Thursday 17th May
Warm and sunny
An early start today for the drive back to Montpellier, so after saying our farewells to the hotel staff, we took the
old Route National down to the old mining town of Alès and then skirted Nimes, before spending some time in
the Petite Camargue, as its name suggests an area of reed-beds and lagoons near the coast. Our first stop was an
old water tower where Mark knew a pair of White Storks would be nesting, and sure enough they were in
residence complete with two youngsters. While we were admiring them, one of the adults arrived with food for
them seemingly consisting of a mass of writhing frogs and toads.
Other birds in the vicinity were Shelduck, Red-crested Pochard, Cattle, Little & Great White Egrets, Glossy Ibis,
Mediterranean & Black-headed Gulls, Common Tern and Black-winged Stilt, while plants noted were Giant
Reed-Arundo donax, Milk Thistle-Silybum marianum, Yellow Iris-Iris pseudocorus, and Pink Convolvulus-Convolvulus
cantabricus. It was now time to leave for the airport, where en-route seeing 40-50 Greater Flamingos in a lagoon
close to the road was a superb way to end a very rewarding and enjoyable week.
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Tour Report France - The Cevennes
© Naturetrek May 12 1
Species List
Plants (NB. * = A species is endemic)
Scientific name Common name
PTERIDOPHYTES FERNS & ALLIES
Adiantaceae Maidenhair fern Family
Adiantum capillus-veneris Maidenhair Fern
Aspleniaceae Spleenwort Family
Asplenium adiantum-nigrum Black Spleenwort
Asplenium foreziense Forez Spleenwort
Asplenium ruta-muraria Wall Rue
Asplenium septentrionale Forked Spleenwort
Asplenium trichomanes Maidenhair Spleenwort
Ceterach officinarum Rusty-back
Dennstaedtiaceae Bracken Family
Pteridium aquilinum Bracken
Dryopteridaceae Buckler Fern Family
Dryopteris affinis agg. Golden Scaled Male Fern
Equisetaceae Horsetail Family
Equisetum arvense Field Horsetail
Polypodiaceae Polypody Family
Polypodium cambricum Southern Polypody
Polypodium vulgare Common Polypody
Thelypteridaceae Marsh Fern Family
Oreopteris limbosperma Lemon-scented Fern
Woodsiaceae Lady Fern Family
Athyrium filix-femina Lady Fern
Cystopteris fragilis Brittle Bladder Fern
PINOPSIDA (Gymnosperms) CONIFERS
Cupressaceae Juniper Family
Juniperus communis Common Juniper
Pinaceae Pine Family
Pinus nigra subsp. salzmanii Black Pine
Pinus pinaster Maritime Pine
Pinus pinea Umbrella or Stone Pine
Pinus sylvestris Scots Pine
Pinus uncinata Mountain Pine
Taxaceae Yew Family
Taxus baccata Yew
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Scientific name Common name
MAGNOLIOPSIDA (Angiosperms) FLOWERING PLANTS
Magnoliidae (Dicotyledons)
Aceraceae Maple Family
Acer campestre Field Maple
Acer monspessulanum Montpellier Maple
Acer opalus Italian Maple
Acer pseudoplatanus Sycamore
Apiaceae Carrot Family
Angelica sylvestris Angelica
Anthriscus sylvestris Cow Parsley
Athamantha cretensis Athamantha
Conopodium majus Pignut
Daucus carota Wild Carrot
Eryngium campestre Field Eryngo
Heracleum sphondylium subsp. sibiricum Hogweed (yellow flowered)
Laserpitium gallicum A Sermountain
Laserpitium latifolium Broad-leaved Sermountain
Laserpitium siler A Sermountain
Meum athamanticum Spignel
Molopospermum pelopennesiacum Molopospermum (Molly)
Scandix pecten-veneris Shepherd's Needle
Trinia glauca Honewort
Aralaceae Ivy Family
Hedera helix Ivy
Aquifoliaceae Holly Family
Ilex aquifolium Holly
Aristolochiaceae Birthwort Family
Aristolochia clematitis Birthwort
Ascepliadaceae Milkweed Family
Vincetoxicum hirundinaria Swallow-wort
Asteraceae Daisy Family
Achillea millefolium Yarrow
Antennaria dioica Cat's Foot
Anthemis arvensis Corn Chamomile
Artemisia camphorata Camphor Mugwort
Aster alpinus subsp. cevennensis* Alpine Aster
Bellis perennis Daisy
Carlina acanthifolia Acanthus-leaved C. Thistle
Carlina vulgaris Carline Thistle
Centaurea maculosa Spotted Knapweed
Centaurea pectinata Pectinate Knapweed
Cirsium palustris Marsh Thistle
Cirsium eriophorum Woolly-headed Thistle
Filago vulgaris Common Cudweed
Helichrysum stoechas Curry Plant
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Scientific name Common name
Hypochoeris radicata Cat's Ear
Inula montana -
Lactuca perennis Blue Lettuce
Lactuca virosa Great Lettuce
Lapsana communis Nipplewort
Leucanthemopsis graminifolium Grass-leaved Ox-eye Daisy
Leucanthemum vulgare Ox-eye Daisy
Onopordon acanthium Cotton Thistle
Pilosella officinarum Mouse-eared Hawkweed
Senecio adonifolius a Ragwort
Senecio doronicum a Ragwort
Tragopogon pratensis Goatsbeard
Tussilago farfara Coltsfoot
Urospermum dalechampei -
Balsaminaceae Balsam Family
Impatiens balfourii Kashmir Balsam
Betulaceae Birch Family
Alnus glutinosa Alder
Betula pendula Common Birch
Corylus avellana Hazel
Boraginaceae Borage Family
Anchusa arvensis Bugloss
Echium vulgare Vipers Bugloss
Lithospermum arvensis Corn Gromwell
Lithospermum purpurocaerulea Purple Gromwell
Myosotis arvensis Field Forget-me-not
Myosotis ramosissima Early Forget-me-not
Myosotis sylvatica Wood Forget-me-not
Onosma fastigiatum Golden Drop
Symphytum tuberosum Tuberous Comfrey
Brassicaceae Cabbage Family
Aethionema saxatile Burnt Candytuft
Alliaria petiolata Garlic Mustard
Alyssum alyssoides Small Alyssum
Alyssum montana Mountain Alyssum
Arabis caucasica subsp. alpina Alpine Rock-cress
Arabis glabra Tower Mustard
Arabis scabra Bristol Rock-cress
Arabis hirsuta Hairy Rock-cress
Arabis turrita Tower Cress
Barbarea vulgaris Winter-cress
Biscutella laevigata Buckler Mustard
Cardamine hirsuta Hairy Bitter-cress
Cardamine pratensis Lady's Smock
Cardarea draba Hoary Cress
Calapina irregularis White Ball Mustard
Capsella bursa-pastoris Shepherd's Purse
Erophilla verna Whitlow-grass
Hornungia petraea Hutchinsia
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Scientific name Common name
Iberis pinnata Annual Candytuft
Isatis tinctoria Woad
Lepidium heterophyllum Smith's Cress
Sinapis alba White Mustard
Lunaria annua Honesty
Sisymbrium officinale Hedge Mustard
Teesdalia nudicaulis Shepherd's-cress
Thlaspi caerulescens Alpine Penny-cress
Thlaspi perfoliatum Perfoliate Penny-cress
Buxaceae Box Family
Buxus sempervirens Box
Campanulaceae Bellflower Family
Campanula speciosa Pyrenean Bellflower
Legousia hybrida Venus's Looking Glass
Cannabaceae Hop Family
Humulus lupulus Hop
Caprifoliaceae Honeysuckle Family
Lonicera etrusca Etruscan Honeysuckle
Lonicera xylosteum Fly Honeysuckle
Sambucus nigra Elder
Viburnum lantana Wayfaring Tree
Caryophyllaceae Pink Family
Arenaria montana Mountain Sandwort
Arenaria leptoclados Thyme-leaved Sandwort
Cerastium arvense Field Mouse-ear
Cerastium fontanum Common Mouse-ear
Cerastium glomeratum Sticky Mouse-ear
Cerastium pumilum Curtis's Mouse-ear
Cerastium tormentosum Snow in Summer
Dianthus deltoides Maiden Pink
Herniaria glabra Smooth Rupturewort
Holosteum umbellatum Umbellate Chickweed
Moehringia trinervia Three-veined Sandwort
Saponaria ocymoides Rock Soapwort
Saponaria officinalis Common Soapwort
Sagina apetala Annual Pearlwort
Scleranthus annuus Annual Knawel
Scleranthus perennis Perennial Knawel
Silene conica Sand Catchfly
Silene dioica Red Campion
Silene italica Italian Catchfly
Silene latifolia White Campion
Silene nutans Nottingham Catchfly
Silene vulgaris Bladder Campion
Stellaria alsine Bog Stitchwort
Stellaria holostea Greater Stitchwort
Stellaria media Chickweed
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Scientific name Common name
Celastraceae Spindle Family
Euonymus europaeus Spindle Tree
Cistaceae Cistus Family
Cistus salvifolius Sage-leaved Cistus
Helianthemum apenninum White Rockrose
Helianthemum nummularium Common Rockrose
H. oelandicum subsp. canum Hoary Rockrose
Clusiaceae St John's-wort Family
Hypericum androsaemum Tutsan
Hypericum perforatum Perforate St John'swort
Convolvulaceae Bindweed family
Convolvulus arvensis Field Bindweed
Convolvulus cantabrica Pink Convulvulus
Cornaceae Dogwood Family
Cornus mas Cornelian Cherry
Cornus sanguinea Common Dogwood
Crassulaceae Stonecrop Family
Sedum album White Stonecrop
Sedum dasyphyllum Thick-leaved Stonecrop
Sedum telephium Orpine
Umbilicus rupestris Wall Pennywort
Sempervivum tectorum Houseleek
Cucurbitaceae White Bryony Family
Bryonia dioica White Bryony
Dipsacaceae Scabious Family
Dipsacus fullonum Teasel
Knautia arvensis Field Scabious
Ericaceae Heather Family
Arctostaphylos uva-ursi Bearberry
Calluna vulgaris Ling
Erica arborea Tree Heather
Erica scoparia
Vaccinium myrtillus Bilberry
Vaccinium vitus-idaea Cowberry
Euphorbiaceae Spurge Family
Euphorbia cyparissias Cyprus Spurge
Euphorbia helioscopia Sun Spurge
Euphorbia lathyris Caper Spurge
Euphorbia seguieriana Seguier's Spurge
Mercurialis perennis Dog's Mercury
Fabaceae Pea Family
Anthyllis montana Mountain Kidney Vetch
Anthyllis vulneraria Kidney Vetch
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Scientific name Common name
Astragalus monspessulanus Montpellier Milk-vetch
Colutea arborescens Bladder Senna
Coronilla emerus Scorpion Vetch
Coronilla minima Small Scorpion Vetch
Cytisophyllum sessilifolius Sessile Broom
Cytisus purgens Piorno Broom
Cytisus scoparius Common Broom
Dorycnium pentaphyllum -
Genista hispanica Spanish Gorse
Genista pulchella -
Hippocrepis comosa Horse-shoe Vetch
Laburnum anagyroides Laburnum
Lathyrus sylvestris Narrow-leaved Everlasting Pea
Lathyrus linifolius Bitter vetch
Lathyrus pannonicus Felted vetch
Lathyrus pratensis Meadow vetchling
Lathyrus setifolious
Lotus corniculatus Bird's-foot Trefoil
Medicago lupulina Black Medick
Melilotus officinalis Common Melilot
Onobrychis viciifolia Common Sainfoin
Robinia pseudacacia Robinia (False Acacia)
Spartium junceum Spanish Broom
Tetragonolobus maritimus Dragon's Teeth
Trifolium campestre Hop Trefoil
Trifolium dubium Lesser Trefoil
Trifolium incarnatum subsp. molinerii Crimson Clover
Trifolium pratense Red Clover
Trifolium repens White Clover
Vicia cracca Tufted Vetch
Vicia sativa subsp. segetalis Common Vetch
Vicia sepium Bush Vetch
Vicia tenuifolia Narrow-leaved Vetch
Fagaceae Beech Family
Castanea sativa Sweet Chestnut
Fagus sylvatica Beech
Quercus coccifera Holly/Kermes Oak
Quercus ilex Holm/Evergreen Oak
Quercus petraea Sessile Oak
Quercus pubescens Downy Oak
Fumariaceae Fumitory Family
Fumaria muralis subsp. boraei Wall Fumitory
Gentianaceae Gentian Family
Gentiana clusii subsp. cevennensis* Cevennes Gentian
Gentiana lutea Great Yellow Gentian
Geraniaceae Geranium Family
Erodium cicutarium Common Storksbill
Geranium columbinum Long-stalked Crane's-bill
Geranium lucidum Shining Cranesbill
France - The Cevennes Tour Report
© Naturetrek May 12 7
Scientific name Common name
Geranium molle Dove's-foot Cranesbill
Geranium pyrenaicum Pyrenean Crane's-bill
Geranium purpureum Little Robin
Geranium robertianum Herb Robert
Geranium rotundifolium Round-leaved Cranesbill
Geranium sanguineum Bloody Cranesbill
Globulariaceae Globularia Family
Globularia punctata Common Globularia
Globularia cordifolia Matted Globularia
Grossulariaceae Gooseberry Family
Ribes alpinus Mountain Currant
Ribes uva-crispa Wild Gooseberry
Juglandaceae Walnut Family
Juglans regia Walnut
Lamiaceae Dead-nettle Family
Ajuga genevensis Blue Bugle
Ajuga reptans Common Bugle
Lamiastrum galeobdolon Yellow Archangel
Lamium album White Dead-nettle
Lamium amplexicaule Henbit Dead-nettle
Lamium maculatum Spotted Dead-nettle
Lamium purpureum Red Dead-nettle
Melittis melissophyllum Bastard Balm
Oreganum vulgare Marjoram
Salvia pratensis Meadow Clary
Salvia verbenaca Wild Clary
Teucrium chamaedrys Wall Gemander
Teucrium scorodonia Wood Sage
Thymus nitens* Cevennes Thyme
Thymus serpyllum Breckland Thyme
Thymus vulgaris Wild Thyme
Linaceae Flax Family
Linum bienne Pale Flax
Linum campanulatum Yellow Flax
Linum leonii Blue Flax
Linum narbonense Narbonne Flax
Linum suffruticosum White Flax
Lentibulariaceae Butterwort Family
Pinguicula longifolia ssp caussensis* Cevennes Butterwort
Malvaceae Mallow Family
Althaea hirsuta Hairy Mallow
Malva sylvestris Common Mallow
Moraceae Fig Family
Ficus carica Fig
France - The Cevennes Tour Report
8 © Naturetrek May 12
Scientific name Common name
Oleaceae Olive Family
Fraxinus excelsior Ash
Fraxinus ornus Manna ash
Jasminum fruticans Wild Jasmine
Onograceae Willowherb Family
Chamerion angustifolium Rosebay Willowherb
Papaveraceae Poppy Family
Chelidonium majus Greater Celandine
Glaucium flavum Yellow Horned Poppy
Papaver argemone Prickly Poppy
Papaver rhoeas Corn Poppy
Plantaginaceae Plantain Family
Plantago lanceolata Ribwort plantain
Plantago major Great Plantain
Plantago media Hoary Plantain
Plantago sempervirens Branched Plantain
Platanaceae Plane Family
Platanus x hispanica Plane Tree
Plumbaginaceae Thrift Family
Armeria maritima subsp alpina Mountain Thrift
Polygalaceae Milkwort Family
Polygala calcarea Chalk Milkwort
Polygala nicaeensis Nice Milkwort
Polygala vulgaris Common Milkwort
Polygonaceae Knotweed Family
Persicaria bistorta Bistort
Rumex acetosa Sorrel
Rumex acetosella Sheep's Sorrel
Rumex crispus Curled Dock
Rumex obtusifolius Broad-leaved Dock
Rumex scuatatus French Sorrel
Primulaceae Primrose Family
Androsace maxima Greater Rock jasmine
Primula veris Cowslip
Primula vulgaris Primrose
Primula x polyantha False Oxlip
Pyrolaceae Wintergreen Family
Pyrola minor Lesser Wintergreen
Ranunculaceae Buttercup Family
Adonis flammea Pyrenean Pheasant's Eye
Adonis vernalis Yellow Pheasant's Eye
Anenome nemorosa Wood Anenome
Aquilegia vulgaris Columbine
France - The Cevennes Tour Report
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Scientific name Common name
Caltha palustris Marsh Marigold
Clematis vitalba Old Man's Beard
Helleborus foetidus Stinking Helleore
Hepatica nobilis Hepatica
Pulsatilla rubra subsp. rubra* Cevennes Pasque Flower
Pulsatilla vernalis Spring Pasque Flower
Pulsatilla vulgaris Pasque Flower
Ranunculus aconitifolius Aconite-leaved Buttercup
Ranunculus acris Meadow Buttercup
Ranunculus arvensis Corn Buttercup
Ranunculus auricomus Goldilocks Buttercup
Ranunculus bulbosus Bulbous Buttercup
Ranunculus ficaria agg. Lesser Celandine
Ranunculus gramineus Grass-leaved Buttercup
Ranunculus repens Creeping Buttercup
Thalictrum aquilegifolium Greater Meadow-rue
Thalictrum minus Lesser Meadow-rue
Resedaceae Mignonette family
Reseda jacquinii* Jaquin's Mignonette
Reseda lutea Wild Mignonette
Reseda phyteuma Corn Mignonette
Sesamoides pygmaea Sesamoides
Rosaceae Rose Family
Alchemilla alpina Alpine lady's-mantle
Amelanchier ovalis Amelanchier (Snowy Mespilus)
Crataegus monogyna Hawthorn
Filipendula ulmaria Meadowsweet
Frageria vesca Wild Strawberry
Geum urbanum Herb Bennet
Potentilla argentea Hoary Cinquefoil
Potentilla caulescens subsp. cevennensis* Cevennes Cinquefoil
Potentilla neumanii Spring Cinquefoil
Potentilla reptans Creeping Cinquefoil
Potentilla rupestris Rock Cinquefoil
Poterium officinalis Mediterranean Salad Burnet
Prunus avium Wild Cherry
Prunus mahaleb St Lucie's Cherry
Prunus spinosa Blackthorn
Rosa arvensis Field Rose
Rosa canina Dog Rose
Rubus caesius Dewberry
Rubus fruticosus Bramble
Sanguisorba minor Salad Burnet
Sanguisorba officinalis Greater Salad Burnet
Sorbus aria Whitebeam
Sorbus aucuparia Mountain Ash
Rubiaceae Bedstraw family
Cruciata laevipes Crosswort
Galium lucidum Shining Bedstraw
Galium mollugo Hedge Bedstraw
France - The Cevennes Tour Report
10 © Naturetrek May 12
Scientific name Common name
Galium pumilum Slender Bedstraw
Gallium saxatile Heath Bedstraw
Rubia peregrina Wild Madder
Sheradia arvensis Field Madder
Salicaceae Willow Family
Populus alba White Poplar
Populus x canescens Hybrid Black Poplar
Populus nigra agg. Black Poplar
Populus tremula Aspen
Salix alba White Willow
Salix cinerea Grey Willow
Salix eleagnos
Salix fragilis Crack Willow
Santalaceae Sandalwood Family
Thesium divaricatum Bastard Toadflax
Saxifragaceae Saxifrage Family
Chrysosplenium alternifolium Alternate Golden Saxifrage
Chrysosplenium oppositifolium Opposite Golden Saxifrage
Saxifraga cevennensis* Cevennes Saxifrage
Saxifraga granulata Meadow Saxifrage
Saxifraga pedemontana subsp. prostii* Prost's Saxifrage
Saxifraga tridactylites Rue-leaved Saxifrage
Scrophulariaceae Figwort Family
Anarrhinum bellidifolium Daisy-leaved Toadflax
Antirrhinum majus Large Snapdragon
Asarina procumbens Creeping Snapdragon
Chaenorhinum origanifolium Malling Toadflax
Cymbalaria muralis Ivy-leaved Toadflax
Digitalis lutea Small yellow Foxglove
Digitalis purpurea Foxglove
Erinus alpinus Fairy Foxglove
Linaria repens Striped Toadflax
Linaria supina Dwarf Toadflax
Pedicularis comosa Crested Lousewort
Rhinanthus mediterraneus Mediterranean Rattle
Rhinanthus minor Yellow Rattle
Scrophularia canina French Figwort
Verbascum pulverulentum Hoary Mullien
Veronica arvensis Wall Speedwell
Veronica chamaedrys Germander Speedwell
Veronica cymbalaria Cymbalaria-leaved Speedwell
Veronica hederifolia Ivy-leaved Speedwell
Veronica persica Common Speedwell
Veronica polita Grey Field Speedwell
Veronica prostrata Prostrate Speedwell
Thymelaceae Daphne Family
Daphne cneorum Garland Flower
Daphne laureola Spurge Laurel
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Scientific name Common name
Tiliaceae Lime Family
Tilia x europaea Common Lime
Tilia platyphyllos Large-leaved Lime
Ulmaceae Elm Family
Ulmus glabra Wych Elm
Ulmus minor Small -leaved Elm
Urticeae Nettle Family
Parietaria judaica Pellitory-of-the-wall
Urtica dioica Nettle
Valerianaceae Valerian Family
Centranthus ruber Red Valerian
Centranthus calcitrapae Annual Valerian
Centranthus lecoquii Cevennes Valerian
Valeriana officianalis Common Valerian
Valeriana tripteris Three-leaved Valerian
Valeriana tuberosa Tuberous Valerian
Valerienella coronata Broad-fruited Cornsalad
Violaceae Violet Family
Viola arvensis Field Pansy
Viola lutea Mountain Pansy
Viola palustris Marsh Violet
Viola reichenbachiana Wood Dog Violet
Viola riviniana Common Dog violet
Viola rupsetris Teesdale Violet
Viola tricolor Heart's-ease
Viscaceae Mistletoe Family
Viscum album Mistletoe
Liliidae (Monocotyledons)
Cyperaceae Sedge Family
Carex caryophyllea Spring Sedge
carex divulsa Grey Sedge
Carex flacca Glaucous Sedge
Carex humilis Dwarf Sedge
Carex otrubae False Fox Sedge
Carex riparia Great Pond Sedge
Dioscoreaceae Yam Family
Tamus communis Black Bryony
Iridaceae Iris Family
Crocus albiflorus White Spring Crocus
Crocus vernus Spring Sedge
Gladiolus italicus Wild Gladiolus
Iris pseudacorus Yellow Flag
France - The Cevennes Tour Report
12 © Naturetrek May 12
Scientific name Common name
Juncaceae Rush Family
Juncus effusus Soft rush
Juncus inflexus Hard Rush
Luzula campestris Field Woodrush
Liliaceae Lily Family
Allium ursinum Wild Garlic
Anthericum liliago St Bernard's Lily
Aphyllanthes monspeliensis Blue Aphyllanthes
Asphodelus albus White Asphodel
Colchicum autumnale Meadow Saffron
Lilium martagon Martagon Lily
Muscari comosum Tassel Hyacinth
Muscari neglectum Grape Hyacinth
Narcissus pseudonarcissus Wild Daffodil
Narcissus poeticus Pheasant's Eye Daffodil
Ornithogalum umbellatum Common Star of Bethlehem
Polygonatum multiflorum Solomon's Seal
Ruscus aculeatus Butcher's Broom
Tulipa sylvestris subsp. australis Wild Tulip
Orchidaceae Orchid Family
Anacamptis pyramidalis Pyramidal Orchid
Cephalanthera damasonium White Helleborine
Cephalanthera longifolia Sword-leaved Helleborine
Coeloglossum viride Frog Orchid
Cypripedium calceolus Lady's Slipper Orchid
Dactylorhiza fuschii Common Spotted Orchid
Dactylorhiza majalis Broad-leaved Marsh Orchid
Dactylorhiza sambucina Elder-flowered Orchid
Neottia nidus-avis Bird's Nest Orchid
Neottia ovata Twayblade
Ophrys araneola Small Spider Ophrys
Ophrys aranifera Early Spider Orchid
Ophrys aymoninii * Aymonin's Fly Orchid
Ophrys lutea Yellow Bee Orchid
Ophrys passionis Passiontide Ophrys
Orchis anthropophora Man Orchid
Orchis mascula Early Purple Orchid
Orchis militaris Military Orchid
Orchis morio Green-winged Orchid
Orchis purpurea Lady Orchid
Orchis simia Monkey Orchid
Orchis ustulata Burnt Orchid
Plantanthera chlorantha Greater Butterfly Orchid
Poaceae Grass Family
Arrhenatherum elatius False Oat-grass
Arundo donax Giant Reed
Brachypodium sylvaticum False Brome
Bromopsis erectus Upright Brome
Bromus hordeaceus Soft Brome
Dactylis glomerata Cocksfoot
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Scientific name Common name
Festuca ovina Sheep's Fescue
Festuca vivipara Viviperous fescue
Hordeum murinum Wall Barley
Melica uniflora Wood Melick
Phragmites australis Common Reed
Poa annua Annual Meadow-grass
Poa nemoralis Wood Meadow-grass
Poa trivialis Rough Meadow-grass
Sesleria caerulea Blue Moor Grass
Stipa pennata Feather Grass
Birds ( = recorded but not counted; H = Heard only)
May
Common name Scientific name 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17
1 Mute Swan Cygnus olor c12
2 Common Shelduck Tadorna tadorna 2
3 Mallard Anas platyrhynchos
4 Red-crested Pochard Netta rufina 1
5 Little Grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis 1
6 Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis c20
7 Little Egret Egretta garzetta c12
8 Great White Egret Egretta alba 1
9 Grey Heron Ardea cinerea 4
10 White Stork Ciconia ciconia 4
11 Glossy Ibis Phegadis falcinellus 2
12 Greater Flamingo Phoenicopterus roseus c50
13 Eurasian Griffon Vulture Gyps fulvus 5 1 1 4 c30
14 Short-toed Eagle Circaetus gallicus 2 1
15 Red Kite Milvus milvus 1
16 Black Kite Milvus migrans 3 1 2 c12
17 Hen Harrier Circus cyaneus 2 1
18 Montagu's Harrier Circus pygargus 1
19 Common Buzzard Buteo buteo 1
20 Common Kestrel Falco tinnunculus 1 1 1 1
21 Moorhen Gallinula chloropus
22 Eurasian Coot Fulica atra
23 Black-winged Stilt Himantopus himantopus 2
24 Black-headed Gull Chroicocephalus ridibundus 2
25 Mediterranean Gull Larus melanocephalus 6
26 Yellow-legged Gull Larus michahellis 2 c12
27 Common Tern Sterna hirundo c6
28 Rock Dove/Feral Pigeon Columba livia
29 Common Wood Pigeon Columba palumbus
30 Eurasian Collared Dove Streptopelia decaocto
31 Common Cuckoo Cuculus canorus H H H H H H H
32 Tawny Owl Strix aluco H
33 Common Swift Apus apus
34 Alpine Swift Apus melba 2
35 Black Woodpecker Dryocopus martius H
36 European Green Woodpecker Picus viridis H H
37 Great Spotted Woodpecker Dendrocopos major H
France - The Cevennes Tour Report
14 © Naturetrek May 12
May
Common name Scientific name 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17
38 Common Skylark Alauda arvensis 6 2 c8
39 Woodlark Lullula arborea H
40 Eurasian Crag Martin Ptyonoprogne rupestris 3 2 c20
41 Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica
42 Common House Martin Delichon urbica
43 Tawny Pipit Anthus campestris 1
44 Water Pipit Anthus spinoletta 3
45 Tree Pipit Anthus trivialis 2
46 White Wagtail Motacilla alba
47 Grey Wagtail Motacilla cinerea 3 1 1 1
48 Dunnock Prunella modularis H H
49 European Robin Erithacus rubecula
50 Common Nightingale Luscinia megarhynchos H H H H
51 Black Redstart Phoenicurus ochruros
52 Northern Wheatear Oenanthe oenanthe 5 1
53 Common Stonechat Saxicola torquata 1
54 Song Thrush Turdus philomelos H
55 Mistle Thrush Turdus viscivorus H H 2
56 Common Blackbird Turdus merula
57 Blackcap Sylvia atricapilla H H H H
58 Cetti’s Warbler Cettia cetti H
59 Western Bonelli's Warbler Phylloscopus bonelli H H H H
60 Common Chiffchaff Phylloscopus collybita H H H
61 Goldcrest Regulus regulus H
62 Firecrest Regulus ignicapillus H
63 Winter Wren Troglodytes troglodytes
64 Great Tit Parus major
65 Coal Tit Periparus ater
66 European Blue Tit Cyanistes caeruleus
67 Eurasian Nuthatch Sitta europaea H
68 Red-backed Shrike Lanius collurio 1 1
69 Common Magpie Pica pica
70 Eurasian Jay Garrulus glandarius
71 Western Jackdaw Corvus monedula
72 Red-billed Chough Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax c20 c20 H
73 Carrion Crow Corvus corone
74 Common Raven Corvus corax 2
75 Common Starling Sturnus vulgaris
76 House Sparrow Passer domesticus
77 Common Chaffinch Fringilla coelebs
78 Common Linnet Carduelis cannabina 5
79 European Goldfinch Carduelis carduelis
80 European Greenfinch Carduelis chloris
81 European Serin Serinus serinus 2
82 Common Crossbill Loxia curvirostra 5
83 Yellowhammer Emberiza citrinella 2 1 2
84 Cirl Bunting Emberiza cirlus H H
Butterflies
1 Dingy Skipper Erynnis tages
2 Red-underwing Skipper Spialia sertorius
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May
Common name Scientific name 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17
3 Grizzled Skipper Pyrgus malvae
4 Scarce Swallowtail Iphiclides podalirius
5 Swallowtail Papilio machaon
6 Wood White Leptidea sinapis
7 Large White Pieris brassicae
8 Small White Pieris rapae
9 Green-veined White Pieris napi
10 Orange-tip Anthocharis cardamines
11 Berger’s Clouded Yellow Colias alfacariensis
12 Cleopatra Gonepteryx cleopatra
13 Brimstone Gonepteryx rhamni
14 Green Hairstreak Callophrys rubi
15 Sooty Copper Lycaena tityrus
16 Small Copper Lycaena phlaeus
17 Little Blue Cupido minimus
18 Holly Blue Celastrina argiolus
19 Green-underside Blue Glaucopsyche alexis
20 Common Blue Polyommatus icarus
21 Turquoise Blue Polyommatus dorylas
22 Brown Argus
23 Small Tortoiseshell Aglais urticae
24 Peacock Butterfly Inachis io
25 Red Admiral Vanessa atalanta
26 Painted Lady Vanessa cardui
27 Comma Butterfly Polygonia c-album
28 Spotted Fritillary Melitaea didyma
29 Meadow Fritillary Mellicta parthenoides
30 Marbled Fritillary Brenthis daphne
31 Queen of Spain Fritillary Issoria lathonia
32 Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary Boloria selene
33 Weaver’s Fritillary Boloria dia
34 Small Heath Coenonympha pamphilus
Moths
1 Latticed Heath Chiasma clathrata
2 Broad-bordered Bee Hawk Hemaris fuciformis
3 Pine Processionary Moth Thaumetopoea pitycampa
4 Burnet Companion Euclidea glyphica
5 Frosted Yellow Isturgia limbaria
6 Tau Emperor Aglia tau
Other Invertebrates
1 Gendarme Bug Pyrrhocoris apterus
2 an Ascalaphid Libelloides longicornis
3 Lesser Beefly Bombilius minor
4 Dor Beetle Geotrupes stercorarius
5 Oil Beetle Meloe proscarabaeus
6 Fire Bug Pyrrhocoris apterus
7 Burying Beetle Hister sp
8 Field Cricket Grillus campestris
France - The Cevennes Tour Report
16 © Naturetrek May 12
May
Common name Scientific name 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17
9 a Web Spider Eresus niger
10 Millipede Tachypodoiulus sp
11 Pill Millipede Glomeris sp
12 Roman Snail Helix polmatia
Mammals
1 Fox Vulpes vulpes
2 Red Squirrel Sciurus vulgaris
Amphibians & Reptiles
1 Green Lzard Lacerta viridis
2 Wall Lizard Podarcis muralis
3 Viviparous Lizard Lacerta vivipara
4 Common Frog Rana temporaria
5 Common Toad Bufo bufo
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2012 Naturetrek Group Photo courtesy of Bettye Reynolds