Foresta della Carpaneta

Foresta della Carpaneta is a nature reserve near Mantua featuring woodland and native trees including English oak, hornbeam, and field elm. Walking paths wind through the recovering landscape, which now provides habitat for wildlife and connects to cycling routes in the region.

The reserve was established in 2003 to restore woodlands that had disappeared from the Mantua area for around 500 years. This project was part of a larger initiative to recreate forest ecosystems across the Po Valley.

The reserve serves as a biogenetic sanctuary for English oak trees, collecting acorns from 15 different Po Valley forests to maintain genetic diversity.

Access the forest via a dirt road near Gazzo di Bigarello train station or by using the cycling path that connects from Mantua. Both routes make it easy to reach and explore the protected area on foot or by bike.

The reserve collects acorns from 15 different forests across the Po Valley to maintain genetic diversity in its English oak population. This deliberate gathering ensures that the replanted areas have strong and varied genetic stock.