Bosco Difesa Grande, Special Area of Conservation in Province of Bari, Italy.
Bosco Difesa Grande is a Mediterranean forest protected as a site of community importance, stretching across rolling terrain between two river valleys. The woodland includes dense forest patches mixed with open grasslands and low shrub areas typical of the region.
The woodland was a crucial timber source during medieval times for surrounding communities and received its name in the 17th century to mark restricted usage rights. These protective measures reveal how valued this forest was for the local economy over many centuries.
The forest's name reflects medieval land rights that shaped how people used this woodland for centuries. Archaeological remains scattered through the trees tell of military structures built here during the Cold War era.
The protected area is accessible from nearby villages and can be explored on foot or by car following local roads. Plan to visit during cooler months when walking through the forest is more comfortable, and wear sturdy shoes for uneven terrain.
The forest shelters Stipa austroitalica, a rare grass found only in this region, which is protected under European conservation laws. The presence of this endemic species was a key reason this woodland was designated as a protected site.
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