Forests created or improved San Colombano Park
Why did we support this forest?
It covers an area of about 730 hectares and it’s home to vast riparian forests, poplar groves, arable land, wild willow groves, sandbars, wetlands near old clay pits and “bugni.”
History of the forest
The San Colombano Park covers about 730 hectares along the River Po, in the municipality of Suzzara (MN), between the towns of Riva and Tabellano. It is one of the largest and most biodiverse floodplain areas in the region, with a remarkable variety of environments: riparian forests, poplar groves, wetlands formed from old clay pits, spontaneous willow groves, and the so-called “bugni,” small lakes created by river flooding. The history of this area is closely linked to collective memory: in 1702, it was the site of the Battle of Luzzara, and today, near the church of Riva, stands the Memorial of Reconciliation, a megalithic monument inspired by Irish stone circles, after which the park is named.
Where is the forest located?
How we improved the forest
Since 2000, the Municipality of Suzzara has led a large-scale natural redevelopment project that has involved planting more than 250,000 native plants, including white and black poplars, ash trees, willows, elms, and many shrubs. The area is now a vital refuge for local wildlife, providing habitat for woodpeckers, sparrowhawks, egrets, night herons, newts, and frogs. The park has also become a center for learning and recreation, featuring an educational forest, river dock, refreshment point, and a network of cycle and footpaths connecting it to the Oltrepò Mantovano Park System and EuroVelo routes. It stands as a shining example of how protecting nature can restore beauty, biodiversity, and community well-being.
News from the forest
Partner of the forest
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