Western Orbetello Lagoon Natural Reserve

 

The Orbetello Lagoon is the most important lagoon in the Tyrrhenian Sea. It is composed of two parts, the Eastern Lagoon, between the Feniglia Dune and the town of Orbetello, and the Western Lagoon between the same town and the Giannella Dune. Instituted in 1971, it is a historical WWF oasis and one of the few places where you can catch a glimpse of the Black Winged Stilt which prefers swampy and humid areas. The 300 acres of which it is composed are mostly made up of a brackish lagoon where you may, from time to time, glimpse small silt islands dense with swamp vegetation. The area near the Giannella Dune is covered with luxurious Mediterranean scrub while the inner shore of the lagoon is clothed with glasswort. Within you will find groves of poplars, cork, ash and elm. Descending south we find the Patanella Wood which is also connected to the oasis: 850 acres characterized by a large area covered with heather. The lagoon’s strategic position along migrating routes makes it the ideal place for many birds. Besides the Black Winged Stilt, there are flamingoes, grey herons and ospreys. The oasis may be toured both with a guide as well as autonomously. The “A. Peccei” Environmental Education Center was instituted for school children near the Casale della Giannella on the Dune by the same name. Here both teenagers and younger children can have fun learning about and respecting the environment. For precise and detailed information regarding directions, opening times and tours: http://www.wwf.it/oasi/toscana/laguna_di_orbetello/