LIPU Bianello Oasis
A birdwatching oasis on the slopes of Bianello Hill, adjacent to the castle of the same name.
Timetable
The Oasis is open to visitors every day from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm.
The LIPU Bianello Oasis is a protected area for flora and fauna located in the Borgo di Monticelli area of Quattro Castella. It extends across the four hills known as the Castles Hills — Zane, Lucio, Vetro and Bianello — covering approximately 190 hectares, including the area known as the calanchi (badlands), which was incorporated into the protected area by the Province of Reggio Emilia in 2003.
To help protect the environment, the Oasis may only be visited by following the authorised and signposted trails.
A Visitor Centre has been established in Borgo di Monticelli and can be contacted to arrange guided excursions within the Oasis.
The Visitor Centre also organises a range of environmental education activities for schools and for members of the public.
Visitors to the centre can view a collection of natural specimens, including nests, feathers, fungi, fossils and plant galls, as well as LIPU educational materials covering topics such as nature conservation and bird biology.
The Bianello Oasis lies immediately behind Quattro Castella and is a splendid example of the lower Emilian Apennine landscape, at elevations of around 300 metres above sea level.
The Oasis has a Visitor Centre equipped with a projection room, information materials and visitor facilities.
Two trails can be followed to explore the Oasis. The first passes through an oak woodland and leads to Bianello Castle, while the second starts at the Visitor Centre and leads to Zagno Hill and Lucio Hill.
Various events and activities are organised throughout the year, including the release of birds of prey, marine fossil walks and observation activities, and the cleaning and installation of nest boxes, among others.
