Forests created or improved Isola Maria Luigia
Why did we support this forest?
These young forests were planted between 2010 and 2013. Their development is now threatened by the entry of alien and invasive species that compete with native plants. To bring these forests to their ideal condition, the project plans to eliminate the invasive species, promoting the growth of species native to the ecological and climatic milieu.
History of the forest
Isola Maria Luigia is a river island in the middle reaches of the Po River, which lends its name to the Special Protection Area (SPA) of which it is the main feature. When exploring these areas, you might encounter wintering and migratory birds resting on the large beaches, in the oxbow lakes, or in the woods. Among these are the great white egret, the osprey, and the black-winged stilt.
Much of the area, about 200 hectares, was reforested between 1997 and 2000. Alongside these man-made plantations, strips of natural white willow forest, typical of river environments, have also developed. However, today, many invasive alien species have spread in both environments, jeopardising biodiversity.
Where is the forest located?
How we improved the forest
The project aims to enhance the structure and ecological quality of the island’s forests. The goal is to promote species typical of riverine forests—such as oak, ash, elm, and white willow—restoring the forest’s natural composition and its ability to regenerate naturally.
To meet these goals, the project involves a series of targeted actions: selective thinning is being carried out to give light and space to native species, and new native trees and shrubs are being planted. Meanwhile, exotic species are being removed to eliminate elements that threaten its biodiversity.
Over time, these efforts will create a more mature, diverse, and resilient forest that can support rare species like the stag beetle and the oak longhorn beetle. They will also help strengthen the valuable willow groves, which are key habitats for nesting birds of the heron family, including the little egret and the night heron.
This project is co-funded by the Lombardy Region’s Biodiversity and Climate Call (BioClima) and supported by Fondazione Cariplo. Bioclima is an initiative created within the framework of the Lombardy Plan and the LIFE GESTIRE 2020 project that aims to create public-private financing models to catalyze investment in biodiversity conservation and climate change adaptation projects in Lombardy’s forests and protected areas.
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