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 Marsh hibiscus. |
Behind the Sanctuary of the Grazie there is a vast panoramic humid zone to the left side of the church sloping down towards the lake.
This is the natural reserve of the Mincio Valleys, and is comprised mainly of marshlands which extend along the banks of the central course of the
river Mincio. The river flows on to the city of Mantova, winding its way through Borgo Angeli and Rivalta.
The marshlands cover an area of approximately 1.100 acres and the river runs for 7-8 kilometres.
The region was declared A Natural Reserve by the Regione Lombardia in 1984 and represents a Marshland Zone of International Importance. It is
especially noted for its Water Birds as defined and classified by the International Convention of Ramsar of 1971. It is also forms part of the Nature
Network 2000 which comprises the most significant natural areas of Europe that have been denominated as Sites of Community Importance.
THE FORMATION OF THE MARSHLANDS
Several factors have contributed to the formation of the The Valleys ('Valli' is the local term used for these marshes) and the work of man has paid
an important contribution.
The geomorphology of the territory has naturally forced the river to flow more slowly and consequently several meanders and mud banks have formed
although the present configuration is mainly due to human activity. The Upper Lake, known as Lago Superiore, was formed by the construction of a
dam built to protect the city of Mantova from flood waters. The dam, denominated Ponte dei Mulini, was built by Alberto Pitentino as far back as
1190. The work further slowed the flow of the river thereby favouring the extension of the marshlands.
The environment thus created represented a means of living for the local river population and the marshes were opened to provide access to areas of
fishing and hunting (the so-said games). Areas of reed cultivation were also opened up and over time a highly diversified and peculiar environment
was created that was in equilibrium between the activities of man and the forces of nature.
Since the 1960's the economic importance of such activities has gradually diminished, and the reed beds have been reclaimed for agriculture use.
Since 1984, the year in which the area was designated a Nature Reserve, there has been an attempt to check reclamation of the land by initiating
programmes to conserve and protect the natural environment.
THE NATURAL ENVIRONMENT
The valleys of the Mincio present the entire range of flora typical of marshland environments and they appear spontaneously according to the level of
humidity of the soil.
 Red herons. |
The reed beds
A uniform extension of reed beds, composed mainly of common marsh straw and a few other species, constitutes the most outstanding characteristic
of the scenery of the Valli. They border the river along both the right and left banks for the entire length of the Reserve and completely cover the
islands created by the meandering River Mincio. The reed beds are very important for some birds as they build their nests here, including bitterns, red
herons, marsh harriers, water rails, spotted crakes and starlings. Other birds, often in great numbers (such as starlings) also use the reeds as a
protected resting place. But it is where the reeds meet the river that the environment is enriched with colours, sounds and movement. Here, together
with the reeds, are many species of wild grasses and flowers, including marsh reed, rose bay willow grass and marsh hibiscus, and it is here that
many birds build their nests which hang among the reeds, such as the reed warbler, and, hidden in the grassy undergrowth, bitterns, great crested
grebes, sedge warblers and dab chicks. On the raised platforms formed by the marshland grasses, coots and water hens build their nests, along with
other birds such as night hens, egrets, ash herons, mute swans and several species of duck which come here to search for food, which is more
bountiful than elsewhere. Fish martins dive into the grasses that reach through the waters to capture small fish. Marsh harriers and hen harriers are
the principal birds of prey in the Valli, and they keep watch along the grassy borders and gather birds and small animals which here come easily out of
hiding.
The flickers of light
The flickers, the so-said "ex-games", are mirrors of moving water, which are covered in summer by floating vegetation, and are completely
surrounded and protected by the tall grasses of the marshes. They were once used as hiding places by hunters, and their artificial origin is reflected in
the local names used: the "Vignale", the "Baracca", the "Teste", the "Bascone", the "Mulinello", the "Lusién", the "Puntassa", "Le Arse" and others.
These splendid open areas are ecologically important as they offer essential places for the resting, feeding and nesting habits of the numerous
species of birds that are found here. They are frequented by ducks, coots and swallows, and in winter, small black terns, herring gulls, black headed
gulls have their resting places here.
 View of Grazie's sanctuary. |
The sedge meadows
The sedge meadows represent one of the richest and most important sources of flora in the Valli of the Mincio. Each season is different: in spring and
summer the uniform green carpet is coloured with flowering orchids and the white buds of the cotton grass; in late summer marshland flowers and
wild garlic can be found among the tall grasses. This is a delicate environment that is easily susceptible to change and the sedge meadows, which
once extended along the entire left bank of the Valli del Mincio, have been drastically reduced by following land reclamation for agricultural use. Like
the reeds, the cane grasses have always been used by man for their thin resistant leaves which provide excellent material for weaving straw on
chairs and benches. Among the birds that build their nests here are the sedge wrens which in this area number between 20 and 30 nesting couples,
representing what is probably the most significant Italian population. The species, which is found living in Italy, only appears in this area of the
central eastern plains of the Po Valley, and is considered to be at risk from extinction. Other species which build their nests in these meadows are
the yellow wagtails, reed sparrows, larks, garganeys, lapwings, hen harriers and marsh harriers. Among the fauna, besides the green frog which is
common everywhere, are numerous tree frogs and the lataste frogs are also present in high numbers.
Marcella Ghidoni, Cesare Martignoni
and Susanna Perlini.
Texts taken from the book:
"Le Valli del Mincio" Edited by Parco del Mincio, March 2000
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