Protected Natural Area "La Querciola"

The wetlands are of special naturalistic and environmental interest, consisting of an articulated system of canals and ponds of different origin and type: fairly deep small lakes derived from clay
pits, duck hunting ponds and wetlands restored as nature reserves.

Several projects aimed at improving the natural habitat have been performed in the area under the “Along the Migratory Routes” scheme, among which planting trees and bushes in rows and hedges
and digging the Laghina (“Little Lake”) for avifauna.

The area is open for recreation and education purposes all year round. Please follow the trail provided and respect the property, part of which is private.

La Querciola area includes the Casa di Zela where you can find amuseum of traditional peasant life with the Ernesto Franchi Collection, a centre for environmental education and a guesthouse.

Several plant associations can be found In the ponds and along the water course where, depending on diverse ecological conditions, Carex otrubae (False Fox Sedge), Eleocharis palustris (Common Spike-rush),Iris pseudacorus (Yellow Iris), Thypha latifolia (Bulrush or Great Reedmace), Phragmites australis (Common Reed),Sparganium erectum (Branched Bur-reed) and Juncus effuses (Soft Rush or Common Rush) prevail.

The hedges and rows of trees are formed of species which grow in various shapes, thus creating structured linear elements.  The dominant arboreal component is usually the Elm(Ulmus campestris), whilst the English or Pedunculate Oak (Quercus robur), Black Alder (Alnus glutinosa), alders and willows are common.  Remarkable from the naturalistic and scenic point of view is the widespread formation of permanent meadows, annually cut for hay.

Invertebrates are probably the fauna that most benefit from the natural and semi-natural habitats of the site, since small populations can survive even in areas of modest dimensions.

As for vertebrates, birds are easiest to see, with as many as 116 species, including approximately 50 nesting species.  During the migratory period and winter, water birds prevail, whilst in the breeding season there are more woodland, hedgerow and shrub loving species.

The wetlands are home to a rich community of water birds, such as herons, ducks, rails and waders.  The White Stork (Ciconia ciconia) can often be seen nesting near the settlement of Caserana, just a few hundred yards from the protected area.

La Querciola area includes the Casa di Zela where you can find amuseum of traditional peasant life with the Ernesto Franchi Collection, a centre for environmental education and a guesthouse.