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This wood can be found 2 km South_West of Manziana and 5 km West, North-West of Bracciano. It stretches for 1.433 acres at the height of 1.148 ft. It’s undoubtedly one of the most interesting woods in the whole area. It can be easily reached taking Strada Statale SS493 Braccianense Claudia.

Flora

This wood used to be part of the ancient, huge Silva Mantiana, encompassing Sabatini and Cimini Mountains, and it still features very old oaks (Quercus cerris) and European oaks (Quercus robur), impressive wild maples, medlars and hornbeams, as well as many chestnut and birch trees. The adjacent Tolfa heights offer protection from the dry winds blowing from the Tyrrhenian Sea, thus preserving all these magnificent trees. Some of the latter are currently part of a special preservation project which is why this wood – also according to its impressive biodiversity – is included in the official list of Community Interest Sites (“Siti di Interesse Comunitario” – SIC).
The undergrowth offers many species, including butcher’s broom, holly, ferns and wild roses, as well as assorted mushrooms – some of them edible.
The fauna is mainly made of green peaks, jays, woodcocks, kites and buzzards, badgers, foxes, weasels, martens and porcupines.

The wood is traversed by the main road – via di Macchia Grande – from which paths lead to the large Canepine, Camillo, and Bologno meadows. The main road is what’s left of an ancient Roman route leading to Ponte del Diavolo (Devil’s Bridge) – the most significant historical evidence, along with the Etruscan Tomb in Fontanelle.

Most unfortunately, gradual deterioration of the topsoil has been going on for some ten years, causing the death of many adult trees. Consequently, the Agricultural University of Manziana has funded a tasked with special research the department of plant protection of the Tusca University in Viterbo (Dipartimento di Protezione delle Piante dell’Università della Tusca di Viterbo) and the Agrifolia expert team; the aim of such research is to find the actual causes of death of the trees and the possible solutions to this problem.

Meanwhile, trekking, jogging and mountain biking are popular throughout the wood – bike rental service available – and there’s also an adventure park, “Quercus Village”, where adults and children can enjoy assorted activities. Macchia Grande Wood is also equipped with barbecue and picnic areas.

This post is also available in: Italiano (Italian)