Réserve de Biosphère Transfrontalière

	Nature without borders

	Area

	The Reserve through the ages

	Natural heritage

	Cultural and architectural heritage

	Inhabitants, activities and traditions

Forest milieux

Open milieux

Wetlands

Rupiculous milieux


	Sandy grassland Chalky grassland Heathland Traditional orchards

Chalky grassland

On the chalky borders of Lorraine, Alsace and Rheinland-Pfalz, a few rare stretches of grassland dotted with thorny bushes such as blackthorn and hawthorn are a paradise for orchids:

the Goat or Lizard Orchid (Himantoglossum hircinum), the Purple Orchid,

the Goat or Lizard Orchid, © Michel Rauch

the Hornet or Late Spider Orchid, the Bee Orchid (Ophrys apifera), the White Helleborine (Cephalanthera damasonium)

Bee Orchid, © Michel Rauch

and the Broad-leafed Helleborine and other species such as the Fringed Gentian (Gentiana Gentianella ciliata) and the Aster amellus (the generic variety).

The Butcher Bird (Lanius collurio) loves this habitat.