Padule Orti-Bottagone, Regional nature reserve in Piombino, Italy.
Padule Orti-Bottagone is a nature reserve along the Tuscany coast near Piombino with both saltwater and freshwater marshes. The landscape features extensive reed beds and waterlogged meadows spread across roughly 126 hectares.
The protected area was established in 1998 to preserve remnants of the Val di Cornia wetlands. These marshes once covered the entire region before large-scale land reclamation projects drained most of the area.
The reserve operates under WWF management and offers guided tours for schools and researchers interested in wetland ecosystems. Visitors can see how local conservation efforts support education about the importance of protecting these natural habitats.
Access to the trails is seasonal, with visits available on weekends from October to May and on weekdays from June to August. Observation towers are positioned throughout the area for watching birds during these visiting periods.
The reserve hosts around 231 bird species and serves as a crucial stopover for migratory birds traveling Mediterranean routes. Pink flamingos are among the notable visitors that regularly gather in the saltwater sections.
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