The Diaccia Botrona Nature Reserve is a protected natural area characterised by a typical wetland environment, occupying part of the plain between the city of Grosseto and the coastal town of Castiglione della Pescaia. The protected area is what remains of the ancient Lake Prile, or Lake Preglio, a vast lake basin that, in past centuries, occupied almost the entire plain. It was almost completely drained following the major land-reclamation works begun by the House of Lorraine in the eighteenth century, involving the construction of canals to drain the water and definitively eliminate malaria.
The Diaccia Botrona Nature Reserve covers more than one thousand hectares and is considered Italy’s most significant wetland area. The Reserve is included in SIC no. 111 and ZPS 111B, identified as an “area of very great importance for the resting, wintering and nesting of waterbirds”. In recent years, among the ICBP sites, it has been recognised as Tuscany’s most important wetland for the wintering of anatids; it is also of great importance for the nesting of herons and the marsh harrier (‘Circus aeruginosus’).
The Diaccia Botrona Nature Reserve is an area of great importance for the resting, wintering and nesting of waterbirds. In particular, among the ICBP sites, it has been recognised in recent years as Tuscany’s most important wetland for the wintering of anatids, and it is also of great importance for the nesting of herons and Circus aeroginosus.
The Diaccia Botrona Nature Reserve is an ideal destination for nature lovers and photographers. The Reserve offers breathtaking panoramic views of the marshland bordering the pine forest of Castiglione della Pescaia. Casa Rossa Ximenes, a historic building and multimedia museum, is one of the Reserve’s visitor attractions.
The Diaccia Botrona Nature Reserve is an ideal place for outdoor activities. Birdwatching enthusiasts can spot numerous species of waterbirds, while trekking lovers can follow the Reserve’s trails and enjoy the beauty of the landscape.
In short, the Diaccia Botrona Nature Reserve is a place of great natural beauty and major importance for biodiversity conservation. The Reserve offers many opportunities for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. If you are looking for a destination for a day trip, the Diaccia Botrona Nature Reserve is certainly a place worth visiting.
