LIPU Celestina Oasis

The Celestina Oasis is located a few kilometres north of the town of Campagnola Emilia, in the lowlands of the Reggio Emilia plain.
The oasis was established in the late 1990s thanks to a donation from Maria Celestina Freddi, a LIPU member and nature enthusiast who, in her will, bequeathed the 12 hectares of her property to the association.

The landscape of the Oasis is constantly evolving. The planting of various native trees and shrubs has created a network of hedgerows and patches of dense shrubland, while reed beds have gradually colonised the open water areas.
Among the animals found in the Oasis, birds are undoubtedly the most noteworthy.
Breeding species include Black-winged Stilt, Red-backed Shrike, Common Tern, Little Bittern, Common Moorhen, Mallard and Tree Sparrow.
The most interesting species can be seen during the spring and autumn migration periods.
Among the waders, recorded species include Little Curlew, Eurasian Curlew, Little Stint, Dunlin, Ruff, Marsh Sandpiper, Spotted Redshank, Common Greenshank, Northern Lapwing, Wood Sandpiper, Green Sandpiper, Common Snipe, Black-tailed Godwit and Curlew Sandpiper, among others.
In spring, visitors may spot Little Tern and the three species of marsh terns: Whiskered Tern, Black Tern and White-winged Tern. In autumn, Little Gull has also been recorded.
Among the birds of prey, species observed include Black Kite, Western Marsh Harrier, Montagu’s Harrier, Pallid Harrier, Eurasian Sparrowhawk, Common Buzzard, Common Kestrel, Eurasian Hobby and Peregrine Falcon.

A visit can begin at the Visitor Centre, which houses a small photographic exhibition illustrating the history of the protected area.
Following the trail, visitors first reach the observation tower and then the birdwatching hide. From the hide, as well as from the viewing screen located by the small lake, visitors can observe the ponds and the wildlife they support.
The Visitor Centre is equipped with an educational room and restrooms, and is fully accessible to visitors with disabilities.
Along the nature trail, the Oasis also features nest boxes for small birds, information boards with educational panels, and a wooden gazebo equipped with benches, tables and a roofed area, as well as an outdoor educational area.

The natural area of the Valli di Novellara e Reggiolo, designated as both a Site of Community Importance (SCI) and a Special Protection Area (SPA), has included the Celestina Oasis since 2012 and is located just a few kilometres from the Oasis itself.
The entire province of Reggio Emilia is also rich in fascinating historical and architectural heritage. Among the sites well worth visiting are the Corte di San Bernardino in Campagnola Emilia, the Rocca di Novellara, and the Rocca di Reggiolo, to name just a few of the attractions in the surrounding area.

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Campagnola Emilia