VIDEO | Flamingos, wild horses and bodies of water “behind the house”? In the valleys of Ferrara

In the valleys and valleys of the Ferrara area you can visit natural oases far from mass tourism, among greenery, bodies of water and animals

FERRARA – Everyone knows Ferrara, but its valleys and valleys, true natural oases, are probably still places unknown to mass tourism. Not because they are unexplored, given that many are a perfect example of the study and regulation of water for land reclamation and exploitation purposes, but probably precisely because of the fact that they have been considered agricultural or marshy areas for years. Yet it has areas that have nothing to envy of the Camargue, so much so that there is a place, Boscoforte, where white wild horses, of the typical breed of that region , they move freely. In a couple of days, these oases, especially if accompanied by naturalist guides, can become better known.

Starting from the Vallette di Ostellato, a paradise for birdwatchers and fishermen, where you can also rent bikes, camp or have a picnic. The “fishing parlor”, as the guides call it. it is therefore a particular habitat for fish (such as carp, pike perch or eel which is now a protected species and bream) and 150 species of birds, including aquatic, nesting and migratory birds. Suffice it to say that there are all nine species of herons, the Black-winged Stilt, birds of prey, marsh harrier, buzzard. The goal is to bring tourism and nature together. Here there is also the lowest astronomical observatory in Italy (four meters below sea level) and the stars can be seen well, both due to the lack of light pollution and because in the evening, from June to September, there is breeze and the sky is clean. Precisely to pay homage to the stars, many artists in the valley have created sculptures dedicated to astronomy. 

THERE ARE THOSE WHO CHOOSE NOT TO LEAVE OR TO RETURN

In these areas there is no shortage of young companies who have decided to settle here after having toured half the world or having worked in starred restaurants. Or to move from Romagna or Denmark. Like Gaetano, Federico, Valentina and Nina who opened a piadina factory a few years ago, which they called Gli ingordi. Or the Liquida brewery, born in the midst of Covid from the idea of four friends, who wanted to create beers as they liked, in kegs or cans, with labels that are small works of art. Both say they have found in these areas the right size and quality of life they were looking for, far from the chaotic kitchens of super restaurants, or the rush of business in the big cities.

ARGENTA, CAMPOTTO AND BOSCOFORTE, BETWEEN WATER AND SKY

A second day of exploration is worth dedicating to the valleys ofArgenta and Campottoto see many other birds, woods, wetlands, bodies of water and water lilies. And even the wolf, even if meeting him is not easy. Here there is the Ecomuseum of Argenta, there are many places to visit by bicycle, areas to get to know thanks to the guides who can tell the stories large reclamation works that have been carried out in these areas and which make them unique. The valleys, which function as expansion tanks, receive excess water during floods which is then discharged into the Rhine, thanks to sewers and drainage pumps. 

Finally, the last oasis, Boscoforte, a private peninsula narrow from a few meters to a few hundred, which stretches for about 6 km in the brackish waters of the Comacchio Valleys. Can be visited by reservation. Boscoforte, in addition to so much vegetation, also allows you to admire two wonders: the flamingos and the Delta-Camargue horses, which are wild here and move freely along the peninsula.

All useful information on valleys, reservations and guided tours can be found on: https://www.visitferrara.eu/it/