WWF Oases of Reggio Emilia, Modena, Parma and Bologna

Emilia-Romagna is a region rich in biodiversity, with an extraordinary variety of natural environments. In this context, the WWF Oases represent true treasure chests of nature, protected areas where environmental protection is combined with environmental education, scientific research and sustainable tourism.

Let’s discover together the WWF Oases of Reggio Emilia, Modena, Parma and Bologna.

OASIS OF MARMIROLO

Extending over more than 10 hectares, the WWF Oasis of Marmirolo represents an example of what the Po Valley must have looked like centuries ago. It is located within a Special Area of Conservation in the homonymous hamlet in the municipality of Reggio Emilia and was created from the recovery of a reservoir originating from the mining of clays for the production of bricks. The site presents two environmental types: an aquatic environment and a large wooded area. Attracting the attention of visitors are mainly birds, present in various species, which use the oasis as a resting, resting and nesting place. Water birds such as ducks and herons can be seen, as well as birds of prey such as buzzards and sparrowhawks and the ever-present amphibians. The oasis guarantees the presence of experienced staff for guided tours.

OASIS OF SASSOGUIDANO

The Sassoguidano Oasis is part of the much larger Sassoguidano Nature Reserve, consisting of a wooded plateau that stretches over the imposing rocky ridge of Cinghio di Malvarone. Located just a stone’s throw from the town of Pavullo nel Frignano (province of Modena), the oasis covers only 0.3 hectares. On one side it embraces a meadow-pasture of karstic origin located within a wood, and on the other part of a pond, called Sassomassiccio, which is home to numerous amphibians. It can be visited by crossing the network of paths within the reserve.

OASIS OF GHIRARDI

Extending over about 600 hectares in the municipalities of Borgo Val di Taro and Albareto (south-west of Parma), the Ghirardi Oasis represents a mosaic of natural landscapes that gives life to an ancient landscape, where colours, scents and atmospheres are still the original ones. It is home to no less than 36 species of wild orchids and more than 550 botanical species, as well as a large group of deer, fallow deer (more than 350 head at the time of the autumn roaring), roe deer, wild boar, birds (some of which are endangered at continental level, such as the shrike and the honey buzzard), wolves and ancient breeds such as the Bardigiano horse and the cabannina cow. Within the oasis there is a visitor centre (equipped with a picnic area), 15 km of hiking trails (including the Botanical Nature Trail) and a hut for birdwatching and nature photography (available on reservation).

OASIS OF CRONOVILLA

Also in the province of Parma, specifically in the locality of Vignale (hamlet of Traversetolo), is the Cronovilla Oasis, which extends over about 60 hectares in a former quarry along the left bank of the Enza stream. The area, abandoned for many years after use, has been spontaneously renaturalised, giving rise to an extraordinary biodiversity, the result of a typical wetland ecosystem. The oasis is characterised by shrubs, riparian forests and dry grasslands. A very important presence is represented by amphibians, but the most conspicuous guests are birds, including grey herons, kingfishers, egrets and bee-eaters. One can pass through the oasis on foot, by bicycle and on horseback, following well-marked paths.

OASIS OF MONTOVOLO

The WWF Oasis of Montovolo, a natural area of extraordinary beauty and ecological value, extends within the municipal territory of Grizzana Morandi (province of Bologna), best known for being the place of residence and inspiration of the famous painter Giorgio Morandi. The oasis is characterised by the presence of various tree species, including ash, aspen, oak, mountain elm, curly maple, linden and beech. The fauna includes birds of prey such as the golden eagle, mammals such as deer, roe deer and fallow deer, and amphibians such as the Apennine geotriton. In addition to its naturalistic importance, the oasis is also a place of historical and cultural interest. We suggest visiting the Church of Santa Maria della Consolazione and the Oratory of Santa Caterina (both located on the summit of Montovolo). To visit the oasis, contact WWF Bologna Metropolitana.

BELPOGGIO PARK

Located in the heart of San Lazzaro di Savena, the Belpoggio Park is one of the most evocative corners of the Bolognese territory. Located within the Parco dei Gessi Bolognesi e Calanchi dell’Abbadessa, it combines natural beauty and environmental enhancement. Its main purpose is to encourage the feeding and reproduction of pollinating insects. It is home to flora and fauna typical of peri-urban areas and allows numerous species to cross different environments, from urban to rural and wild. It includes a butterfly garden, a pond and two small ponds. The park can be visited freely.

MOLINO GRANDE FLUVIAL OASIS

Also within the Parco dei Gessi Bolognesi e Calanchi dell’Abbadessa (Park of Bolognese Gypsums and the Abbadessa Gullies), in the Idice locality (a hamlet of the municipality of San Lazzaro di Savena), is the Molino Grande Fluvial Oasis, the first WWF oasis created by the Bologna section. It protects a stretch of riparian forest along the Idice stream near the ruins of an old ruined mill (hence the name) and is of particular interest for the presence of some monumental trees and for the nesting of numerous bird species, including the bee-eater, the mouse swallow and the kingfisher. An easy path, about 2 km long, runs along the Idice stream through lush vegetation.

CEDAR PARK OASIS

In the northern part of the larger Cedar Park, a green area of about 11 hectares located in San Lazzaro di Savena, there is a “free-range” oasis desired and monitored by the Bologna WWF. It occupies a small area of 1,500 square metres along the Savena river (near the Via Emilia), where several specimens of plants typical of the plains have been introduced. The enchanting natural environment, although fenced in, remains visible along its perimeter.

Featured photo © Visit Reggio Emilia | Photos Oasis © WWF