the Nazzano Tevere-Farfa Nature Reserve
The Nazzano Tevere-Farfa Nature Reserve, covering 705 hectares in the north of Rome in the Middle Tiber Valley, encompasses the municipalities of Nazzano, Torrita Tiberina, and Montopoli di Sabina. Characterized by the loops of the Tiber, Lake Nazzano, and the final stretch of the Farfa River, the wetland was established in 1979 and is considered a wetland of international importance, as part of the Natura 2000 Network. The fauna and flora present include numerous animal and plant species, such as cormorants, egrets, bog turtles, and wild cats. Furthermore, the reserve offers various sustainable recreational activities, such as birdwatching and canoeing.
Flora and fauna of the Nazzano Tevere-Farfa Nature Reserve
The Nazzano Tevere-Farfa Nature Reserve boasts a variety of environments, such as reedbeds, beehive thickets, swamps, riparian forests, and forests. The reed thicket is home to plants like broom and hawthorn, while cyclamen and wild orchids bloom in the beehive thicket. The marsh and riparian forest are home to plants such as laurel and ferns, while the forests feature trees such as Ceratophyllum. The reserve is inhabited by a wide range of animals, including 187 species of birds, mammals, amphibians, reptiles, and fish. The European otter, wild cat, white stork, brown kite, and river kingfisher are all wildlife found in the reserve, making it an important habitat and an ideal place for birdwatchers and nature hikers.
The history and culture of the middle Tiber Valley area
The Nazzano Tevere-Farfa Nature Reserve has been inhabited since the Paleolithic period, as evidenced by the presence of archaeological sites. The area was crossed by transhumance routes and strategies for the passage of people and goods. During Roman times, the road system developed, with numerous landing places along the banks of waterways and archaeological evidence of rustic villas and agrarian farms. After the end of the Roman Empire, the countryside was abandoned and destroyed. However, with the help of abbeys, the territory was reunified and fortified. This led to the encastellation and urban development of the three towns of Nazzano, Torrita Tiberina, and Montopoli. Today, people have maintained strong connections with nature, as evidenced by local cultures and traditions, such as wine production and organic farming. The area is still used for transhumance and pastoralism, and the presence of many animal and plant species is still vital to the survival of the local community.
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