Bosco della Mesola Nature Reserve
Mesola (FE)
The Gran Bosco della Mesola is a 1058-hectare nature reserve in the Po Delta Park. The area, consisting of ancient alluvial deposits, is now the largest wooded area in the Ferrara area. It began to form in the Middle Ages on ancient coastal dune belts formed at the mouths of the Po di Goro and Volano rivers and offers multiple scenarios: from the forest belt on the coast to a more inland one, from marshes covered with marsh vegetation to areas of grassland.
The particular climate (with abundant rainfall in autumn and spring, high temperatures in summer and cold in winter) and the specificity of the terrain create an extraordinary ecosystem.
Characteristic are the Mesola deer, the last trace of the deer species that originally populated the ancient Po Valley, as well as fallow deer and other animals such as foxes, hedgehogs, skunks and badgers. Exploring the different trails, one can encounter birds such as wood pigeons, turtle doves, orioles, woodpeckers and hoopoes, as well as birds of prey, reptiles, amphibians and different varieties of fish.
The flora is just as rich and includes species typical of the sands (juniper and sea buckthorn), Mediterranean scrub (holm oak and manna ash), wetlands (English oak, southern ash, white poplar, elm and hornbeam) and aquatic (reed and cane).
Today, the Gran Bosco della Mesola, also known as Boscone, has suffered a considerable decrease in fauna due to the reclamation of some areas, which have displaced typical wetland species. Recently, however, an area has been created (Elciola) suitable for herons, night herons, ducks, coots and waders.
Visits and Timetables
Within the forest, 200 hectares, of the total 1,058 hectares, are open to the public and can be accessed on foot or by bicycle.
There are three routes (yellow, green and red) with a total length of 2 to 5 kilometres.
Opening days: Tuesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays and public holidays, from 1 March to 31 October.
Daylight saving time: from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Standard time: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Admission ticket
Full price: € 1.00
Free: children under the age of 6, disabled people, residents in the Municipality of Mesola, Goro and Codigoro
Attention! Dogs are not allowed in the Reserve, at the risk of their safety.
In fact, the deer can harbour parasitic insects that are dangerous for our four-legged friends.
Services:
Bike hire
Guided tours
Book your experience
Need more information?
Request informations for "Bosco della Mesola Nature Reserve "
Fiume di Mezzo
The Middle River presents itself as a new opportunity to explore the surrounding area. It becomes the guiding thread of a series of itineraries that combine river navigation with bike paths, promoting slow mobility and offering an innovative and sustainable product. Along these routes, you will have the opportunity to discover numerous cultural, historical and naturalistic excellences, thus creating a unique and unforgettable experience with Aqualab.
Torre Abate
Torre Abate Oasi Naturale, a stone's throw from the sea and the Mesola Woods, is located in one of the most beautiful stations of the Po Delta Park and holds within it a true treasure: Torre Abate, a 16th-century monument and symbol of the great Este land reclamation.
Agenzia di Viaggi
We plan and organize tourist and educational tours to exclusive and unique places in the Po Delta. Our goal is to ensure a memorable experience, adapting to the profile, inclinations and desires of each visitor. We offer a range of services including escorting, bicycle rental, and motorboat excursions.
English 
Italian