Oases and nature reserves in the Reggio Emilia region

Reggio Emilia and its province are perfect for those who want to enjoy a nature vacation. In the Reggio Emilia area there are a large number of oases and nature reserves waiting for you to explore, discover and enjoy. The activities that can be carried out there are many.

WWF OASIS OF MARMIROLO

The WWF Oasis of Marmirolo is located in the hamlet of the same name in the municipality of Reggio Emilia and is a resting, nesting and breeding place for numerous birds. It is a reservoir originated from clay mining, which, naturally filled with rainwater, has turned into an optimal body of water for the colonization of various animal and plant species. It hosts a wide variety of birds, especially during migration in spring and autumn. In addition to the grey heron, which is present all year round, sparrow hawks, buzzards, osprey, snipe and pyro-pyre, to name a few, can be observed. The oasis offers interesting guided tours for adults and children. There are also several huts for bird watching.

LIPU CELESTINA OASIS

In the lowlands of Reggio Emilia, a few kilometers from the town of Campagnola Emilia, is instead the Lipu Celestina Oasis, which is part of the larger nature area of the Novellara and Reggiolo Valleys. The oasis, officially opened in the spring of 2005, is home to many species of birds, among which we find the black-winged stilt and the little shrike. But it is during periods of migratory passage that the most interesting species can be spotted, such as the pancian sandpiper, albastrello and lapwing. Artificial nests for small birds and bulletin boards with educational panels are located along the nature trail. The oasis is equipped with an observation tower and a visitor center, where there is a photo exhibition tracing the “history” of the protected area.

FONTANILI DI CORTE VALLE RE NATURE RESERVE

In the Campegine countryside lies the small Nature Reserve “Fontanili di Corte Valle Re,” which covers just 35 hectares. It was established to safeguard one of the last examples of lowland resurgences (or fontanili) in Emilia-Romagna. Fontanili, also called “fontanazzi” or “lakes,” are freshwater springs of natural origin. Near the entrance is the visitor center, inside which there is an information point and a permanent exhibition route. Several walkable routes branch off in the reserve, allowing visitors to observe the variety of the “heads” and “rods” of the springs, as well as the fauna and flora that characterize them. A guide service is available for those who request it.

RONCOLO NATURE PARK

In the municipality of Quattro Castella is Roncolo Park, which, with its 44 hectares full of meadows, woods and trails, is the ideal place for outdoor fun. There are many activities to be enjoyed. The vegetation is typical of the piedmont area (hornbeam, turkey oak, maple, etc.), as is the fauna (some predators, ungulates and rodents). Inside there is also a picnic area equipped with tables, benches and barbecue grills. All the trails in the park are suitable for those who do not like long climbs: they are mostly easy routes, with minimal elevation differences and walkable by families, to be approached with the serenity of mind that these places convey.

LIPU OASIS OF BIANELLO

Also in the municipality of Quattro Castella, in the Borgo di Monticelli area, is the Lipu Oasis of Bianello, which covers about 190 hectares on the four Castella hills (Zane, Lucio, Vetro, Bianello). The oasis, established in 1981 and given to Lipu for management in 1993, is a splendid example of the environment of the lower Emilian Apennines. It is equipped with a visitor center, with a screening room, information materials and services, which organizes various environmental education initiatives. Species of birds present include buzzards, owls, sparrow hawks, scops owls, tawny owls, common owls, kestrels and larkspur. Two trails can be taken: the first leads to Bianello Castle while the second leads to Zagno Hill and Lucio Hill.

SECCHIA RIVER EXPANSION CASES NATURE RESERVE

The “Casse di Espansione del fiume Secchia” Oriented Nature Reserve is located between the provinces of Reggio Emilia and Modena, in the territory of the municipalities of Rubiera, Campogalliano and Modena. It protects a wetland area with an extension of 260 hectares derived from an important hydraulic work built to protect the Modena plain from frequent flooding of the river. Numerous animals are present and in particular birds of different species. The proposed itineraries allow you to discover the natural environments of the reserve and learn about the functioning of the expansion tanks. The reserve is an excellent place for birdwatching and nature photography. It is housed in the old Corte Ospitale in Rubiera, which retains many original architectural features.

THE PINE GROVE OF VEZZANO SUL CROSTOLO

The Pinetina di Vezzano sul Crostolo covers about 55 hectares in the first hills of Reggio Emilia, from the top of Mount Grafagnana to the course of the Crostolo Stream. From a naturalistic point of view, the park is characterized by a mixed forest of black pine and typical hillside oak forest alternating with meadows and clearings. There are some native fauna, some of which live free among pine forests, gullies and cliffs, while large enclosures house domestic animals. The park is crisscrossed by four different routes, one of which is marked by CAI trail number 644. There is also a small area equipped for children to play, a café and a picnic area.

Photo WWF Oasis of Marmirolo © WWF | Lipu Celestina Oasis © Fabio Cilea – LIPU | Fontanili di Corte Valle Re Nature Reserve | Roncolo Park © Reggio Emilia Welcome | Lipu Oasis of Bianello © Lipu Bianello Oasis | Secchia River Expansion Cases © Reggio Emilia Welcome | Vezzano Pinetina © Municipality of Vezzano sul Crostolo