Le Cesine State Nature Reserve
The 380 hectare reserve, which is affiliated to WWF Italy and overseen by the Ministry of the Environment, is the last surviving area of marshland that stretches between Brindisi and Otranto. The natural landscape of dunes, marsh, woodland, ilex groves and drainage channels is varied and interesting, a mix of Mediterranean maquis and cultivated areas. The reserve is situated along one of the main migratory routes and there are many different kinds of waterfowl there. There are projects underway to restore wetland, which are financed by EU and regional funds.
The six- kilometre coastline is mostly sandy although there are some stony and rocky parts and is home to numerous wild plants found in the dunes. Seagulls and woodcock are seen on the sandy banks and foxes also visit at dusk.
The vegetation in the forest areas is mainly Aleppo pines, holm oak and cypresses. There are also some eucalyptus trees along the pathways. You’ll also find examples of the extremely rare quercia spinosa.
The cultivated areas offer excellent feeding for many types of birds including white storks and cranes, sheldrakes and coots. There are many kinds of wild flowers there, including many orchids.
The Park has a visitors’ centre inside La Masseria, a beautiful building from the 15th century and added to in the 17th century. There are walks for all abilities and observation huts. You should allow about two hours for a visit. After an introductory talk from the guide there is an accompanied nature trail with stops at the observation posts and illustrated maps along the way. You then cross the woods and Mediterranean maquis to get to the observation tower. The walk concludes with some water bird spotting.
Opening hours
The reserve is open all year round and can be visited any day (Monday to Sunday) but you need to book. This can be done by phone 0831/989986 0831/989885 349/0705933 or email lecesine@wwf.it
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