A walk among water lilies and herons

The history of the Lucca plain is intimately tied to water. The very name of the capital city, Lucca, recalls its past as a Ligurian city and the presence of "chiari" (lilies), "luk," all around the modest hill on which the city was founded.

The Romans colonized the countryside. Significant remains of a Roman building from the 2nd century BC and a settlement of about 100 Roman-era farms have been found in the locality of Fossanera, south of Porcari, in what is now a large archaeological park. outside.

On December 15, 1856, work began on reclaiming Lake Sesto, which would fundamentally change the landscape and customs of this area with the definitive draining of one of Tuscany's largest lakes. Thus ended the days of fighting swamps and disease, and the days of transport along the network of navigable canals between the main cities of the plain and Pisa.

International Wetlands Day

But some areas remain as a testament to the Lucca plain's past as woods, marshes, and canals. A nature trip to these natural environments in autumn and spring is a chance to spend some time outdoors with family and children, who will surely be drawn to the adventure of the waterside walkways and the small woods with their "magical" lights.

On February 3rd, International Wetlands Day, some of the wetlands in the Lucca plain will reopen, offering a chance to explore this pristine natural setting and make special encounters with ducks, lapwings, little grebes, herons, egrets, and other splendid birds among the beautiful iris and water lily blooms.

between woods, swamps and canals

NellSibolla wetlandOne of the most interesting examples of this natural wildlife and nature reserve at the national and European level, and a protected biotope of the Province of Lucca since 1996, guided tours, workshops, and initiatives will resume, organized in collaboration with the Natura di Mezzo association. Half-hidden between a highway and a railway line, not far from the fortified village of Altopascio, the 12.000 square meters of the Sibolla Oasis are Tuscany's most important wetland and the most vivid testimony to the richness of the Lucca aquifer, which surfaces here to form clear water. Herons and a large colony of egrets are a feast of wings.
For information and reservations 338.6553603, naturadimezzo@gmail.com

At the foot of the village of Castelvecchio

in the Compitese area, the WWF oasis Bottaccio Woods It is one of the most pristine corners of the area where you can admire rare birds during migration periods. A forest and a wetland, it bears witness to what was once the landscape of the inland plains of Tuscany. Bottaccio della Visona and Tanali Woods They represent the last remnants of the plain's marshy woodlands, consisting primarily of English oaks, black alders, and the rare common alder. Paths through the oaks and boardwalks (made of recycled plastic!) lead to observation points where, with a bit of luck, you can spot weasels, badgers, foxes, porcupines, and numerous rodents, frogs, newts, and butterflies, as well as various bird species that stop here during the migration season.
The WWF Alta Toscana Onlus Association, from Sunday 3 February to 26 May, organizes guided tours (€3,00) every Sunday, April 22nd, Easter Monday, and May 24th, the Parks Festival, with free admission for Capannori residents, WWF members, and children under twelve. 
For reservation (required)  boscobottaccio@wwf.it

The Night of the Owl

The more adventurous can take advantage of the initiative organised on the occasion of theThe Night of the Owl Saturday 2 March at 20.30pm At the Il Melograno library in San Leonardo in Treponzio, we will discuss the biology and ethology of little owls, tawny owls, barn owls, and owls. Exclusive images and videos will be shown, illustrating the most interesting, curious, and endearing aspects of these animals, their fundamental role in ecosystems, and the problems these nocturnal birds of prey are facing due to pollution, habitat destruction, and climate change, and the possible solutions to mitigate these impacts.

the lake reappeared

And then... a guided walk of about 4 kilometers in search of lucky nocturnal encounters around the Gherardesca Lake At night, a fascinating place to discover little owls, tawny owls, barn owls and other nocturnal animals with Riccardo Gherardi, a veterinarian with an in-depth knowledge of nocturnal birds of prey, and biologist Arianna Chines, a hiking guide.
For information and reservations (required) Riccardo 340 3408022 – Arianna 347 3166283.