On June 16, 2025, the Regional Council of Nouvelle-Aquitaine voted to classify the Galuchet marshes and the loops of the Sèvre Niortaise as a Regional Nature Reserve (RNR).
This makes the site the first urban regional nature reserve in the region, covering 152 hectares within the Sèvre Niortaise's floodplain.
The area features a diverse mosaic of wetland habitats, including alder forests, ash-alder forests, mesoxerophilic grasslands, and young ash and willow woodlands.
The reserve is home to protected species like the Rosalia alpina beetle, otters, and grey herons, with one of the largest heron colonies in the Deux-Sèvres.
The designation aims to strengthen the protection of this natural space within an urban environment, while allowing public access for activities like walking, fishing, and cycling, but prohibiting hunting.
This initiative aligns with the "Niort durable 2030" roadmap, promoting a green and blue city in harmony with biodiversity.
The Groupe Ornithologique des Deux-Sèvres (GODS) has also contributed to the site's preservation by acquiring a parcel in 2018, reinforcing local conservation efforts.
This classification represents a significant step in preserving biodiversity in an urban setting, highlighting the commitment of the City of Niort and its partners to environmental protection.