Strasbourg nature reserves

Strasbourg is the only city in Europe to have peri-urban alluvial forests. Alluvial environments are ecologically rich. These highly diverse environments offer a wide range of environmental conditions, providing an 'ecological niche' for many species of flora and fauna. The three forest areas (Neuhof, Robertsau and Rohrschollen) are home to between 70 and 80 woody species (trees, shrubs and lianas).

Some of these species are rare or even endangered, such as the diffuse elm or wild apple and pear trees. Numerous creepers, including ivy, clematis, hops and the rare and protected wild vine, contribute to the richness of the flora and give the forest a luxuriant appearance reminiscent of a tropical forest. It's worth remembering that ivy does no harm to its host tree - it simply uses it as a support to help it reach the light.

Nature reserves on the outskirts of Strasbourg, venture into a heritage site that must be preserved:

• Rohrschollen Island
• Neuhof Forest - Illkirch Graffenstaden
• Forest of Robertsau and Wantzenau