02
PROTECTED AREAS
OF GATTINARA AND
BARAGGIA
GATTINARA AND BARAGGIA NATURE RESERVES AND PARKS
Beautiful natural environments rich in biodiversity: discover the nature reserves of the Gattinara and Baraggia areas.
BARAGGE NATURE RESERVE
Situated on the north-western border of Piedmont, between the provinces of Biella, Vercelli and Novara, this piedmont area is characterised by compact clay soils, vast grasslands that give way to barren heaths, and a peculiar environment at times resembling the African Savannah. The Reserve is made up of six portions of land that, in the Vercelli area, is between Rovasenda, Roasio, Gattinara and Lenta. Extremely interesting from a landscape point of view, especially in summer and autumn, it is ideal for excursions by bicycle or on foot to admire the typical vegetation and fauna (there are numerous white stork nests).
LAME DEL SESIA NATURE PARK
Established in 1978, the park covers about 900 hectares along an almost 8 km stretch of river on the border between the provinces of Vercelli and Novara. This fluvial territory is characterised by lame (blades), elongated stretches of water that have arisen from branches of the river Sesia, and by gerbidi, clearings created on gravel deposits. The terrain is continually shaped by the flooding of the river, whose banks are lined by portions of forest, now the last remnants of the vanished lowland forests. The park can be visited all year round, on foot and by bicycle, either following equipped and self-guided trails, or with specific educational activities. The Ornithological Museum at the park’s Albano Vercellese branch can also be visited on request.
ISOLONE DI OLDENICO SPECIAL NATURE RESERVE
Situated on the southern border of the Lame del Sesia Park and of the Albano Vercellese forest, the Isolone di Oldenico Special Reserve, surrounded by the Sesia river, is home to one of Italy’s largest garzaie (heron nest areas). It is the ideal place for scholars and experts to observe the life and habits of the birds that inhabit this area.
Public access is not permitted in the area, except for study purposes. However, the bird species can be conveniently observed from the perimeter of the reserve.
GARZAIA DI CARISIO NATURE RESERVE
The Reserve is located in the High Vercelli plain, near the Elvo Stream, and covers an area of approximately 91 hectares. The area, which is typically lowland, is situated on recent alluvial deposits consisting mainly of pebbly and sandy sediments. It is surrounded by the Morainic hill of the Mindelian age at the foot of which the village of Carisio rises, and by a series of riverine palaeo-terraces that are invisible at the edge of the reserve.
It consists of rice fields, poplar groves, ash trees and black locust groves. It hosts an important garzaia (heron nest area) where numerous bird species nest.
VILLARBOIT GARZAIA NATURE RESERVE
It covers about 11 hectares consisting mainly of rice fields, and develops on typical Baragge soils. The heart of the Reserve is a 3 hectare forest in the park’s territory. It is the only example of a lowland wood that is not a floodplain forest.
Non-typically aquatic bird species, such as the common owl and the sparrow hawk, frequent this heron nest area.
MANAGEMENT AUTHORITY FOR THE PROTECTED AREAS OF TICINO AND LAKE MAGGIORE
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Where to eat, where to sleep, how to get around: plan your trip to Valsesia and Vercelli!
