Ponies fed by the SNCF.
In Magalas, near Béziers (Hérault), five mini-ponies have been busy grazing the area around the station for several days.
This eco-grazing, set up by the railway company, has several ecological advantages: “It is a 100% natural weeding technique, without any phytosanitary product.
In addition, the trampling of herds, the selection of the species they consume and their excrement enrich the soils and are favorable to biodiversity ”, rejoices Soune Serre, communication manager of SNCF Réseau.
This experiment has already been carried out with satisfactory results.
For example, three hectares were grazed for a month and a half in Bédarieux (Hérault) last January.
Because each pony can eat five kilos of vegetation per day by pulling out the grass in depth, thus causing a slower regrowth.
"The herds are adapted according to the need on each site (type of vegetation, relief, etc.) to fight against invasive alien species, because their repeated passages exhaust the invasive plants", continues Soune Serre.
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Although eco-grazing cannot be carried out on a large scale along the rails, for safety reasons (in relation to train traffic), this alternative is developing.
And also benefits the breeders who supervise these initiatives: "We make land available to shepherds for the grazing of their herds while remunerating them for the services they provide us", explains SNCF Réseau.
Other eco-grazing operations are already planned this year by the company, in Occitania as elsewhere.
