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This regional natural park is the latest example of the impressive network of woods and marshes that used to stretch along the coast between Brindisi and Lecce. The landscape features ponds behind the dunes and karstic springs, as well as the Idume and the Rauccio woods. The latter consists of a thick and holm oak forest, with arboreal vegetation consisting exclusively of Quercus ilex, and lush evergreen undergrowth with several and liana species.

In the open clearings, the marshland is colonized by rare amphibians, such as Italian newts, European gree toads, and Italian tree frogs. Among several rare plants, there are orchids and, above all, silkvine, a liana species considered extremely hard to find in Italy and threatened of extinction.
Many water birds live in the park, especially during the migrations. In the coldest winters, swans are abundant in the Idume basin.

The park offers 4 themed itineraries (botanical, wildlife, hydrological, and historical-cultural routes).
The true purpose of the park is aimed at the conservation and restoration of natural environments, as well as at the reclamation of the whole area, recently damaged by devastated by unauthorized development.

This post is also available in: Italiano (Italian)