At the condominium meetings of the WWF Oasis at the foot of Mount Misma, the residents are many and varied. Sometimes there is disagreement, and a few feathers fly, but usually, everything runs smoothly. An example is the Predina torrent that flows through this 37-hectare nature reserve, which since 1983 has been home to dozens of animal species in their natural environment, constituting one of the most intact environments in the Bergamo Pre-Alps. Also present in the area but not open to the public is the Recovery Centre for Wild Animals.
Valpredina, which means valley of the Stones, is a protected area in the municipality of Cenate Sopra, an area famous for the extraction of stones – called “prede” in Bergamo dialect – used to sharpen tools. Following a dirt path into the WWF oasis, rare examples of biodiversity can be discovered.
Between 380 metres and 1100 metres above sea level, the Valpredina oasis is covered with forests of English oaks and chestnut trees, where tawny owls and barn owls have found their perfect nesting habitat, not far from the peregrine falcon, which has now become accustomed to cohabiting with colleagues who work the night shift.
At the foot of the trees, the Predina stream is home to extremely rare specimens of crested newt and spotted salamander, which has become the official symbol of this reserve, where more than twenty different mammals also live: from foxes to martens, beech martens, badgers, and roe deer.
Close your eyes, let nature be heard
In this unspoiled environment where humans are merely invited as visitors to admire the splendour of nature, our absence has allowed the undisturbed growth of hawthorn, broom, and dogwood, as well as periwinkle, wild orchids, and cyclamen.
Planning a visit
On the calendar, along with guided tours by appointment, there are numerous activities for adults and children offered by the centre on recycling, energy saving, and other environmental topics.
DETAILS OF INTEREST:
– Natural biodiversity
VISIT INFORMATION:
– Route open from March to November included;
– It is advisable to telephone for useful information before the visit;
Visit duration: depends on the proposed route;
– Parking: YES.
– Visits that can be booked for groups: up to a maximum of 10 people, visit with AUDIOGUIDE to be collected and returned at the Visitor Centre, bearing in mind that it is NOT possible to return between 12.30 a.m. – 2.30 p.m. and after 6 p.m.; (€8 adults, €6 WWF members, and children between 6 – 18 years old);
– Groups of over 10 people: guided tour with the operator at 10 a.m., 3 p.m. (reservation required); (€10 adults, €8 WWF members, and children between 6 – 18 years old);
– On Sundays, the Visitor Centre may be closed or have reduced hours, depending on the availability of volunteers;
– For more information, please call a few days in advance on + 39 035 956140.
