Officials allowed to enter private land in Dordogne to record local flora
Around 20 villages are affected. Agents may cross walls, fences and other barriers if necessary
The order applies to around 20 communes in Dordogne including Tremolat (pictured)
David South / Alamy Stock Photo
Local authorities in Dordogne have issued an order permitting agents to enter private land in and around 20 villages in order to carry out surveys of natural plant life.
The decision applies to communes such as Lalinde, Carlux, Trémolat, La Roque-Gageac, Vitrac, Pontours, Domme and Vézac and was issued by the departmental prefecture on May 20, 2025.
The order is effective until December 31, 2027.
Its purpose is to carry out inventories of the local flora as part of broader environmental research in places categorised as Natura 2000 areas.
Natura 2000 is an EU-wide scheme to protect animal habitats via a network of natural spaces in 27 countries.
Agents can enter private land
Under the order, agents, who work for or are mandated by the Conservatoire d’espaces naturels de Nouvelle-Aquitaine (CEN NA), are authorised to enter any private land with the exception of inhabited buildings.
They may also cross walls, fences and other barriers if necessary.
However, the CEN NA told news outlet Actu.fr that despite the wide reaching order, they do not intend to enter people’s gardens.
“Surveys are carried out exclusively on open natural land included in Natura 2000 sites and are not intended to investigate gardens or enclosed properties, even if the decree authorises this.
"The actions consist solely of inventorying the flora and therefore have no impact on private property.”
In addition, the order stipulates that any damage the surveys cause may give rise to compensation, to be determined by the Bordeaux administrative court if no amicable agreement is reached.
The inventories are limited to identifying and recording plant species and are not expected to have any direct impact on landowners.
