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The Natural Regional Reserve Pescara Springs was established in 1986 and it is located in the municipality of Popoli (PE) and its extension is of about 50 hectares omitting the 86 hectares of the chafing piece. It lies at the feet of Colle di Capo Pescara and the reserve is composed of a crystal-clear pool of water, which was created by numerous big and small pools with waters from Campo Imperatore. The surrounding banks are occupied by dense rushes, which are the main element of the landscape. The elevation of Capo Pescara, formed by calcareous rocks, represents a dry environment which enriches the biodiversity of the area.

FLORA E FAUNA

The clearness of the lake creates a sprouting underwater vegetation, like Potamogeton natans, Ceratophyllum submersum, Ceratophyllum demersum, Ranunculus aquatilis. The most interesting aspect of the fauna of Capo Pescara is related to the presence of a diversified avifauna, whose settlement or temporary permanence is caused by the presence of the biotype of wet areas, which are not so numerous in this region. There are many species which colonise the spring area like red herons, kingfishers, great reed warblers and diving ducks. The water basin of Capo Pescara can be considered the reign of Salmo trutta. Brook lampreys (Lampetra planeri), which have become really rare in Italy, are present in the channel area.

Paths

There are many paths inside the reserve: the educational one leads to the central part of the reserve in order to observe the underwater springs; the “Sentiero natura a circuito” (Sentiero Canapine, Sentiero Colle Pescara), which is suitable also for disabled people, allows tourists to discover various environments surrounding the water basin, such as a reparian wood and the Mediterranean scrub of Colle. It is possible to stop at “la Folaga” hut in order to observe birds and at the observation point “la Poiana” to admire the landscape.

The surrounding area.

The historical centre of Popoli, in particular Taverna Ducale and Castello di Cantelmo, are interesting points to visit around the reserve together with the “Centro visita del Lupo” in the locality Monte Corvo.

This post is also available in: Italiano (Italian)