Boschi della Valle del Ticino are part of an area recognized by UNESCO as a Man and Biosphere (MAB) Reserve. The presence of a diverse set of ecosystems means that the protected area contains a wealth of biodiversity that is unparalleled in the Po Valley. These are mostly deciduous forests, consisting mainly of oak, hornbeam, poplar, willow and other native plants that make homes for numerous animal species. During a hike, if you are lucky, you may see foxes, weasels, badgers, skunks and pine martens, as many as 246 species of birds, among which aquatic ones stand out: purple heron, kingfisher and moorhen. In recent years, the wolf has also reappeared, crossing these forests to reach the Alps. Animal and plant diversity of this caliber must be protected with care and attention. Therefore, we have planned forest improvement measures to make the Boschi della Valle del Ticino more resilient. We are going to eradicate invasive exotic species, such as the late cherry tree, and encourage the growth of native trees. Wetlands are crucial for wildlife, so we will create one, accompanied by hedges and shrubs to encourage ecological connectivity at the local scale. Also to protect woodland animals, we will secure a high-voltage power line that runs through the Lentate Valley. Currently, overhead cables pose a threat to migratory birds. In addition, bird lovers will be able to observe all the species present thanks to a new birdwatching facility.

BioClima is an initiative created within the framework of the LIFE GESTIRE 2020 – Nature Integrated Management to 2020 project, with the contribution of the European Commission’s LIFE+ financial instrument and the support of the Lombardy Region. www.naturachevale.it