Regional Natural Reserve "Lago di Penne"

The Reserve

Lake Penne is the ideal place for a Canadian canoe trip or a mountain bike excursion.

The Reserve was established in 1987. Its territory includes the area of Lake Penne, an artificial basin built in 1965 by blocking the Tavo river with a 30 m high embankment dam . The most interesting times to visit are spring and autumn. The visit takes place following the directional signs present in the area, the indications of the staff on duty and the free map available at the visitor centre.

Inside it we find the Center for environmental education, the botanical garden, the Naturalistic Museum, the Wildlife Area of Hybrid Wolves, picnic areas. One of the most interesting moments is the visit to the butterfly garden.

The fauna is characterized by the presence of many species of birds: the night heron, which is also the symbol of the nature reserve, the purple heron and the osprey as well as many other species sedentary and migratory. Among the mammals present in the reserve are the stone marten, the polecat, the weasel, the badger, the fox, the squirrel and the wild boar. The Wolf and the Wildcat also appear sporadically. In the waters of the lake live chub, perch, crucian carp, pike and carp.

It is possible to rent bikes or book a canoe excursion accompanied by the guides of the Naturalistic Hiking School. You can also take advantage of the opportunity to take a ride in the Labyrinth Bike Park or access the Bosco Collalto Adventure Park (nearing completion).
By canoe, on foot or by bicycle it will be possible to discover the most hidden corners of the Reserve, observe the Wolves of the Visitor Center or the plants of the Botanical Garden. From the lake you can access a network of paths that leads continuously to Valle d’Angri, Monte Bertona, Voltigno, Campo Imperatore, a real paradise for walkers and cyclists.

Within the protected natural area you can find:

• the Visitor Center
• the Nature Trail
• the “Nicola De Leone” Territorial Naturalistic Museum
• the Botanical Garden
• the Hybrid Wolves Center
• Educational workshops
• Picnic area

Once the entry permit has been collected at the visitor center, you enter the protected area along the Nature Trail, an easy walk that takes around 30 minutes (suitable for trekking strollers ) allows you to cross the dense bush mostly overlooking the lake.

Along the itinerary which, thanks to a bridge, crosses the Gallero stream, there is an abundance of explanatory panels on the flora as well as other educational materials: along the way we learn to walk among manna ash trees, black hornbeams and field maples with the presence of willow and poplar groves on the edge of the more humid areas.