Nature parks
The Orsiera-Rocciavré Nature Park (Bussoleno)
Category: Parks
The park straddles three valleys: Susa in the north, Sangone in the east, and Chisone in the south. The first two valleys are known for their significant temperature range and moisture variation between summer and winter. The favorable position and the high summer temperatures allow for an oasis of dry heat with steppe-like or sub-Mediterranean type flora and vegetation characterized by spare, sun-loving plants well-suited to strong temperature changes and drought, such as the Scots pine. The Val Sangone, instead, has a cooler climate, well-suited for species that prefer moisture, such as the beech tree, due to the mass of humid air that comes in from the plain and rises up to the slopes causing frequent fog and precipitation.
It is, in fact, due to the different exposures of the slopes and the altimetrical changes within the park that allow for the great natural diversity and, therefore, different habitats suitable to a large variety of species. Among the birdlife, honey buzzard, buzzards, sparrowhawk, golden eagle, common kestrels, black grouse, red grouse, boreal owl, and various types of woodpecker can be seen. Even the mammals and hoofed animals can be systematically subdivided according to the park’s various natural environments. In the lower altitudes, the wooded areas house hedgehogs, foxes, deer, and roes. Alpine fauna, instead, exists where woody plants give way to grassy expanses; here, we have ermine, mountain hare, marmot, chamois, mouflon, and ibex. The seat of the didactic Pra Catinat Laboratory is located within the park and rock carvings and handmade prehistoric articles have been uncovered, which could be placed from the Neolithic Era to the Bronze Age. The Montebenedetto Charterhouse dates back to the 12th century, while the Fenestrelle Fort military complex in Val Chisone is from the 18th century. This fortress looks like a long wall and is made up of three forts that run along the valley, rising up from 1,135 meters to 1,770 meters.
Information
Area: 10,953 hectares
Altitude: 900 – 2,890 meters
Founded: 1980
Environment: mountain
E-mail: parco.orsiera@rupapiemonte.it
www.parco-orsiera.it
Head Office
Via San Rocco 2, Frazione Foresto - 10053 Bussoleno (To)
Tel. +39.0122.47064 – Fax: +39.0122.48383
