The Pratieghi Protected Natural Area — Taxus Baccata Groves
The Area Naturale Protetta di Interesse Locale (Locally Protected Natural Area) — Nuclei di Taxus Baccata di Pratieghi is a predominantly wooded natural environment featuring the rare forest type known as Tilio-Acerion, here characterised by an unusual abundance of yew trees (known locally as Nasso or Albero della Morte — (Tree of Death)).
Within the ANPIL of Pratieghi it is possible to find clusters of yew specimens, with trees exceeding six metres in height and others reaching up to ten metres.
The yew is a conifer that has become increasingly rare in Europe, both due to the widespread use made of it in the past — its wood being highly elastic and resistant, and therefore much sought after for the making of bows and other implements — and due to the effects of climate change.
The woodland is home to birds such as the woodpecker and birds of prey such as the buzzard and the sparrowhawk. At dusk it is easy to encounter roe deer leaving the safety of the forest in search of grasses and shoots.
From Pratieghi, a circular nature trail sets off through the protected area, also leading to the source of the River Marecchia. The source lies on the slopes of Monte Zucca, at an altitude of 930 metres, in the midst of a dense beech forest. Before flowing into the Adriatic Sea near Rimini, the River Marecchia travels approximately 70 kilometres through the surrounding territory, lending its name to the valley and marking the geographical boundary between northern and central Italy.
For further informations
Ass. Pro Loco di Badia Tedalda
Via Alpe Della Luna, 4
452032 – Badia Tedalda (AR)
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