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Laghestel of Pinè is a “peaty-marshy basin” – basically, it’s a lake almost completely turned into a swamp, retaining only a small body of water; the latter can be between 2.392 and 4.784 square yard-wide, depending on the seasons, with a maximum depth of 8.2 ft.

Surrounded by a reed bed, it is part of a nature reserve created by the Municipality of Baselga di Pinè. This 50-acre area was already acknowledged as a “naturalistic and landscape protection zone” in 1974.

Considered a biotope, protected by the L.P. 14/86 law, the Laghestel features both the typical local vegetation and very peculiar and rare flora; it hosts 129 species and 9 hygrophilous plant associations of remarkable value (reeds, sedge, wet meadows and hygrophilous woods).

FLORA AND FAUNA

The hygrophilous species of Laghestel include plants of the genera: Typha, Carex, Equisetum, Molinia, Scirpus, Juncus, as well carnivorous species typical of the peat bogs such as Drosera spp. and Utricularia spp.

The fauna is also quite variegated: especially when it comes to the aquatic environment (seven species of amphibians usually reproduce in this place).
Various bird species nest in the reeds, while the surrounding woods are inhabited by foxes, squirrels and roe deers. Predators such as black kites have also found a most suitable habitat in this very area.

During the summer, a particular phenomenon of reddening of the pond waters could be observed in the past; it was due to the effect of the Eglena sanguinea algae. Such a peculiar occurrence though is not visible anymore.

STRONGLY RECOMMENDED

The path along the provincial road that leads from Baselga di Piné to Montagnaga is particularly nice, especially from spring to fall, with the wondrous colours of nature at their very best.
The path starts in Ferrari and along the way, there are 12 points of interests, equipped with comprehensive information for the visitors.

This post is also available in: Italiano (Italian)