This marsh complex, consisting of six areas and formed almost 15,000 years ago, was at risk of disappearing in the 20th century.

The Guin marshes suffered considerable disruption during the 20th century. The peat, which took thousands of years to form, was extensively extracted during the Second World War to compensate for the shortage of coal. This led to the creation of several ponds and the colonisation of the area by trees and shrubs. In the 1970s, the use of part of the marshes as a landfill and for fish farming, as well as the construction of the A12 motorway, placed additional pressure on this natural paradise.

To ensure the preservation of this exceptional wetland and the many plant and animal species that depend on it, the Guin marshes have been protected since 1975. The Marsh Management Committee, which includes Pro Natura, works with the Nature Conservation Service to plan targeted maintenance measures and necessary improvements. These measures aim to preserve the natural environment while maintaining the area’s appeal to the public.