Landscapes of grove where alternate meadows, orchards and forests, the Pays d'Auge is very largely bathed by the rivers of the basin of Touques. Its valley, oriented from South to North, is truly the backbone of the Augeron terroir. Beyond the remarkable quality of the surrounding environment, the Pays d'Auge is characterized by an agricultural activity focused on livestock farming (80% of the agricultural area in grass), an essential asset for the preservation of the quality of water and aquatic environments.
The watershed of Touques will probably be one of the few French rivers to reach in 2015 the goal of good ecological status set by the Water Framework Directive. This is largely due to the efforts made to maintain extensive agriculture, combat industrial and domestic pollution and restore watercourses. One of the highlights was the commissioning of the new Lisieux wastewater treatment plant in 2004, which greatly improved Touques water quality.
Still present on the basin, wetlands have multiple interests for our territory. Indeed, their sponge function limits floods and supports the flow of rivers during low water periods. They have a purifying role and contribute to the maintenance of good water quality. Finally, they are a biodiversity reserve offering habitat and food to many plant and animal species.
Although preserved, the watershed is not spared by the development of invasive plant species (Japanese knotweed, Himalayan balsam, giant hogweed, butterfly tree ...). Used initially for ornamental purposes, they all have in common a very rapid extension and an ability to colonize abandoned or bare sectors (wasteland, reworked banks, roadsides and rivers maintained ...). Do not participate in their dissemination.
