Riserva Naturale della Vauda, Regional nature reserve in Metropolitan City of Turin, Italy
The Riserva Naturale della Vauda is a protected reserve spread across seven municipalities in the Turin metropolitan area, containing a mosaic of different landscape types. Wetlands, shallow lakes, heathlands, and valleys formed by streams create the physical structure of this natural area.
The name Vauda comes from the Celtic word 'vald' meaning forest, reflecting the dense woodland that once covered this territory in ancient times. Over the centuries, human activity and landscape changes gradually transformed the woodland into the varied habitats visible today.
Bird watching is a central activity here, as visitors come to observe the different species that inhabit the wetlands and open spaces throughout the seasons. Local groups regularly gather to monitor and document what they see, making it a place where nature observation is part of daily community practice.
The reserve is open year-round and features natural trails suitable for walking, cycling, and horseback riding through its varied landscapes. It is useful to wear proper footwear as some areas can be wet and muddy, especially after rain or during certain seasons.
About half of the protected area belongs to the military and was used as a training ground for many decades, which shaped the land in an unusual way. This military presence paradoxically helped preserve the natural habitats by keeping the area away from commercial development for a long time.
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