This post is also available in: Italiano (Italian)

English translation courtesy of Umberto Mucci, www.wearetheitalians.com

The Natural Park Dune Costiere near ostuni in the Province of Brindisi, Puglia, includes a stretch of sandy coastline, characterized by a system of contiguous wetlands, behind a strip of dunes. In a few places this band has the typical juniper vegetation: cade juniper (Juniperus oxycedrus) and Phoenician juniper (Juniperus phoenicea). In other places, the dune has typical evergreen vegetation with a predominance of mock privet (Phillyrea latifolia) and mastic (Pistacia lentiscus).

The wetlands behind the dunes consist of small brackish lagoons; the inner areas, in the “Difesa di Malta” place, are characterized by vegetation where we can spot the presence of thyme (Thymus capitatus). The area is particularly rich of wild orchids and, because of the overgrazing, branched asphodel (Asphodelus ramosus) areas are recognizable.

The whole area is a popular resting place for rare and endangered species of birds, so it plays an important role in the conservation of migratory birds, which pass on the Adriatic.

Suggested routes:

– Nature trail walk through the dunes and marshes to understand the fragile coastal environments. Places of departure and arrival: river Morelli’s wetland.

– Cycling along the Trajan way, between olive groves, extensive arable land and ancient farms. Places of departure and arrival: Casa Vecchia – former train station Fontevecchia aka Fontevecchia Ostuni.

– Walking in the rupestrian village of the underground river of Lamacornola. Place of departure: Casa Vecchia – former train station Fontevecchia aka Fontevecchia Ostuni. Place of arrival: wetland area at the “Il Pilone.

This post is also available in: Italiano (Italian)