Open Rivers Programme : Open Rivers Programme: Two new projects selected in partnership with ERN and SMDMCA

The Open Rivers Programme continues to support the restoration of river continuity in Europe.

Two new projects, supported by ERN in partnership with SMDMCA, have just been selected in the Cantal region of France: the Batitan and Moulin Bas weirs.

This brings to 13 the number of projects (studies or works) in partnership with ERN and the Open Rivers Programme in France.

Seuil de Moulin Bas ©SMDMCA

The Moulin Bas project

The Moulin Bas weir is located on the Souvigne stream, a tributary of the Dordogne. This watercourse, classified in lists 1 and 2 (L.214-17 du CE) is of great ecological importance. In 2018, the Souvigne was home to 8.4% of the spawning grounds for large salmonids in the Dordogne basin, according to a study carried out by ECOGEA for MIGADO. The Moulin Bas weir is an obstacle to migratory fish. It will therefore be removed during the works scheduled for autumn 2025, opening up 15 km of river, or 83% of the Souvigne’s length. Read more

Seuil de Batitan ©SMDMCA

The Batitan project

The Batitan dam is located on the Branugues stream, a tributary of the Cère, in the Cantal department. The Branugues stream is home to numerous species, including fario trout and river lamprey. As with the Moulin Bas project, work will start in autumn 2025, opening up more than 8 km of stream, or 87% of the creek. By eliminating this obstacle, it will be possible to restore upstream spawning habitats and bolster the trout population already present in the stream. Read more 

Upcoming webinar

Ahead of the next Open Rivers Programme call for projects, ERN will be organizing a webinar to present the program and eligibility criteria. (to be confirmed – May 20, 2025 in frenche).

Dates of the next Open Rivers Programme calls for projects

Summer session 2025: from June 9 to July 4, 2025 (decision and start of projects from November 2025)
Autumn session 2025: from October 6 to October 31, 2025 (decision and start of projects from March 2026).

Find out more about these projects and the Open Rivers program:

• ERN
• Open Rivers Programme