A reserve full of easy paths and birdwatching spots
The Macchiatonda Nature Reserve is located halfway between the Santa Severa Castle and the Torre Flavia Oasis. To access the reserve, you need to get to the 50th km of the Aurelia, where a characteristic yellow gate will allow you to access the natural area. The reserve preserves a very complex ecosystem, consisting of marshy meadows, freshwater and brackish water ponds, sand dunes and a thick forest of elms and laurels from which it takes its name.
The reserve extends over an area that covers approximately 250 hectares. The walk inside the oasis is accompanied by accurate educational panels located along easily accessible paths, thanks to which you can reach the beach. Near the artificial lakes there are also watchtowers from where it is possible to observe birds and recognize the different species, with the help of specially prepared illustrative panels. The main characteristic of the reserve is having maintained the diversified natural ecosystem between marshy areas and brackish water basins. The reserve is divided into two zones, the one indicated along the path with the letter B which is currently affected by the presence of organic farming fields while the remaining part, zone A, is made up of elm woods. Thanks to the tranquility of this area the reserve was chosen as a refuge or temporary post during migration by various species of birds such as flamingos, cranes and wild geese.
