Marais de Sacy includes a vast wetland and alkaline peatland of great ecological and cultural value, which is also important for research and education. The presence of typical, well-preserved habitats of European importance which have unfavourable status nationally lends the Site great conservation significance for the Atlantic biogeographical region. It is home to globally vulnerable species such as the southern water vole Arvicola sapidus, the great raft spider Dolomedes plantarius and the narrow-mouthed whorl snail Vertigo angustior. Non-intensive grazing carried out in cooperation with landowners helps maintain the Site’s ecological character. Water cress Nasturtium officinale was once produced here and many of the ponds remain. The Site has an interesting hydrology; some parts are supplied from the north by calcium carbonate-rich groundwater and others from the south by sulphate-rich rainfall. It provides water for agriculture and drinking water for more than 25,000 people. Additionally, the peatland traps and stores carbon.