The Orba River Nature Reserve (Bosco Marengo) - Piemonte Feel

Nature parks

The Orba River Nature Reserve (Bosco Marengo)

Category: Parks

Bosco Marengo

This protected area in Alessandria was established to safeguard several sections of sheltered woods still uncut and two distinct level tracts of the Orba River. The first is characterized by the presence of small oxbow lakes with marsh vegetation and forest trees and is located upriver from the town of Predona. The second, instead, is located further downriver and includes, within its great banks, a flood plain that encircles natural and farmed areas and is part of the district between Borgo di Retorto, Bosco Marengo, and Casalcermelli. During the spring and summer, along the natural banks, the river welcomes a well-fed flock of very colorful birds, such as bee-eaters and kingfishers, which nest on the steep slope digging out these nests in the ground. The vegetation is varied and diverse: shrubs, willow trees, and poplars fill the outer area of the riverbed, while in the higher, drier areas grain cultivation is interspersed with small wooded areas. More than 1000 years ago, along the river, the famous Selva d’Orba developed; this is a vast area, which over time, has undergone noteworthy deforestation due to the agronomic work carried out by Cistercian monks and by the Marine Republic of Genoa’s need for wood in its naval shipyards.

Information

Area: 249 hectares
Altitude: 104 – 130 meters
Founded: 1987
Environment: plains
E-mail: riserva.orba@parcodelpo-vcal.it
www.parcodelpo-vcal.it
Head Office
Via Marconi, 10 - 15062 Bosco Marengo (Al)
Tel. +39.0121.299712 - Fax: +39.0131.289607