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The Dynamo Oasis is spread over 2.224 acres, straddling the watershed line between the Tyrrhenian Sea and the Adriatic Sea, in the municipalities of S. Marcello Pistoiese and Piteglio (in the Province of Pistoia).

We’re talking about different altitudes between 1.968 and 3.937 ft above sea level, and wooded areas interspersed with meadows and pastures. Along the slopes, the vegetation is very different. Starting from the lowest heights, there are broad-leaved woods with Quercus spp. (mainly Quercus cerris and Quercus robur), Ostrya carpinifolia (hornbeam), Castanea sativa (chestnut), Prunus avium (cherry), Acer campestre (field maple), Corylus avellana (hazelnut), Populus tremula (aspen), Alnus glutinosa (black alder), etc.

Going up to higher altitudes, the arboreal vegetation consists mainly of Fagus sylvatica, and thick conifers of different age and specific composition, originated from reforestation of former crops and pastures.

In the meadows still used for haymaking and grazing activities, there are various species of grass, shrubs and ferns. Rows of English walnuts (Juglans regia), common laburnums (Laburnum anagyroides), apple trees (Malus domestica) and rowans (Sorbus aucuparia) decorate the margins of the open areas. There are also various species of wild orchids.

Among the wildlife, wolves have returned – they’re considered a symbol of this oasis and they hadn’t been seen for some time in Pistoia Apennine area. It is also not uncommon to see roe deers, mouflons, fallow deers, wild boars and rodents such as porcupines, squirrels and dormice in the woods.

There are several recreational activities available for tourists, such as excursions, sports opportunities, environmental education and the possibility of staying at Dynamo Camp.
The latter hosts hundreds of young guests from Italian and international hospitals every year.
In the area of Limestre where the camp is located, there used to be old abandoned industrial buildings, but thanks several recovery interventions also by WWF, a new special structure was built: it was specifically designed for children suffering from serious and chronic diseases, offering them some kind of recreational therapy.

This post is also available in: Italiano (Italian)