WWF Oasis
Natural Reserve of the lake of Burano
The Natural Reserve of the Lake of Burano is situated at the far south of the Grosseto Province.
In the Reserve there is a marshy salted lake of only 1 meter in depth and a narrow causeway with sand dunes which divide the lake from the sea.
The lake is inhabited by more than twenty thousand different kinds of animals and often you may see many kinds of birds which stop here while migrating.
This area measures more than 300 hectares and it was the first WWF Oasis established Italy in 1967. In 1977 this area became of international importance according to the Ramsar Convention and by 1980 it became a Natural Reserve under the WWF Italia with a permanent team in charge of surveillance and guided tours.
Natural Reserve of the Orbetello Lagoon
The Natural Reserve of the Orbetello Lagoon is situated about twenty kilometres north of the Lake of Burano and it surrounds completely the town of Orbetello.
This Lagoon is again marshy but fresh water flows in it and all around you will see small islands made of lime. The sandy causeway is made of pinewoods, fresh water ponds, fields and woods of cork tree. This area became protected in 1971 and in 1980 it was turned into a Natural Reserve.
Also this area became of international importance according to the Ramsar Convention and once more it is entirely run by the
WWF Italia.
More than 200 birds live in this Reserve such as wild ducks, herons, flamingos, cormorants and with a bit of luck you can even see the rare fishing hawk and the white stork.
These Reserves measure about 870 hectares and are well structured for hiking so you will find hide-outs and beautiful botanical trails.
