b
Rate with 1 to 5 stars

Forêt de Rennes

Ile-et-Vilaine, Bretagne  >  France

One of the largest forests in Brittany. It is home to a variety of bird species ranging from Black Woodpecker to Osprey.

Added* by LV
Most recent update 28 March 2025
This birdingplace has not been rated yet. Click here to be the first to rate this area with 1 to 5 stars

Description

The Rennes Forest is home to a relatively high diversity of birds for the region. Largely maintained by humans, some species have managed to adapt well to this environment. Some patches of forest have been partially cut down, allowing the Eurasian Hobby to come and breed there in summer. This forest is also one of the primary breeding grounds for Osprey in Brittany (Bretagne). A pair has been present for several years. The forest is also home to Eurasian Goshawk and woodpeckers such as Black Woodpecker, Lesser Spotted Woodpecker, Middle Spotted Woodpecker, Great Spotted Woodpecker and Eurasian Green Woodpecker.

Also many passerines can be observed in the forest. For example Hawfinch in winter and Eurasian Treecreeper if you listen carefully! Finally also common birds such as Blackbird, European Robin, Yellowhammer and Common Chaffinch can be spotted all year round.

_________________________

Français: La Forêt de Rennes est une des plus grosse forêt de la région Bretagne. Elle abrite des espèces variés allant du Black Woodpecker au Osprey. La Forêt de Rennes abrite une diversité d'oiseaux relativement élévée pour la région. Largement entretenue par l'homme, certaines espèces ont réussi à s'adapter convenablement à ce milieu. Certaines parcelles de forêt on été partiellement coupées permettant notamment au Eurasian Hobby de venir s'y reproduire en été. Cette forêt est aussi l'un des premiers lieux de reroduction du Osprey en Bretagne, le couple y est présent depuis quelques années. Pour terminer avec les rapaces, la forêt abrite un ou deux couples d' Eurasian Goshawk .La forêt accueil aussi toute l'année les Picidés de la région, Black Woodpecker, Lesser Spotted Woodpecker, Middle Spotted Woodpecker, Great Spotted Woodpecker et Eurasian Green Woodpecker.

Coté Passereaux, la forêt se porte bien, celle-ci accueille notamment le Hawfinch en hiver et le Eurasian Treecreeper si vous tendez bien l'oreille ! Enfin, le florilège des oiseaux communs comme le Blackbird , le European Robin , le Yellowhammer ou le Common Chaffinch accompagne la forêt et sa biodiversité toute l'année.

Details

Access

Forêt de Rennes is located northeast of the city of Rennes. You can access the forest from the A84 by taking the exit towards Liffré. The best way to visit is to park at the "Relais nature mi-forêt". Press P on the map for directions to the parking. From the parking you can explore the area by following the paths that leave from there. The indicated route on the map is about 5 km. The forest can be visited on foot or by bike but cars are prohibited. However, parking lots are located all around the forest. Note: The Osprey breeding area is protected and prohibited from access.

_________________________

Français: L'accès de la forêt peut se faire depuis l'A84 en prenant la sortie direction Liffré. Le meilleur moyen de visiter est de se garer au "Relais nature mi-forêt" et d'explorer en suivant les chemins qui partent de cet endroit. La forêt peut se visiter à pied ou en vélo mais les voitures sont interdites. Cependant, des parkings sont disposés un peu partout autour de la forêt. La zone de reproduction du Osprey est protégée et interdite d'accès.

Terrain and Habitat

Forest , Scattered trees and bushes

Conditions

Flat , Open landscape

Circular trail

Yes

Is a telescope useful?

Can be useful

Good birding season

All year round

Best time to visit

Spring , Winter

Route

Unpaved road , Wide path , Narrow trail

Difficulty walking trail

Easy

Accessible by

Foot , Bicycle , Wheelchair

Birdwatching hide / platform

No

View other birding spots in the area that are published on Birdingplaces

Map

birdingplace
bird
hide/platform
lookout tower
parking
point of interest
restaurant/café
viewpoint
visitor centre
Route
1 km

Top 5 birds

Other birds you can see here

Comments & Tips

Give feedback
Rate this area