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The Orbetello Lagoon Nature Reserve, managed by the WWF, is one of the most fascinating corners of the Tuscan Maremma. This unique ecosystem, which includes a lagoon, sand dunes, a pine forest, and Mediterranean scrub, serves as a vital refuge for numerous species of migratory and resident birds.
The Orbetello Lagoon Nature Reserve, managed by the WWF, is a true natural gem located in the heart of the Tuscan Maremma. This brackish lagoon, separated from the sea by two sandbars known as “tomboli”—the Feniglia and the Giannella—serves as a habitat of extraordinary importance for numerous species of birds, both resident and migratory. It has ancient origins, with the earliest evidence of its use dating back to the Etruscans and Romans. Over the centuries, the lagoon has undergone transformations and human interventions, particularly regarding fishing and the reclamation of certain areas.
The first efforts to protect the lagoon date back to the 1970s, when WWF Italy, following the discovery of a nesting colony of black-winged stilts—a species previously thought to be extinct in Italy—promoted the establishment of a nature reserve that now covers an area of approximately 1,500 hectares and encompasses various ecosystems, including the lagoon, sand dunes, a pine forest, and Mediterranean scrub.
This variety of habitats fosters a rich biodiversity, with flora and fauna that are truly unique; so much so that in 1977, the area was designated a wetland of international importance under the Ramsar Convention, an intergovernmental treaty aimed at protecting wetlands worldwide. It is a crucial habitat forbirdlife, particularly waterfowl. Herons, pink flamingos, black-winged stilts, wild geese, and many other species find refuge and sustenance here during their migrations.
The Feniglia Dune, one of the two sandbars that border the lagoon, is home to a centuries-old pine forest that provides shelter to numerous animal species, including fallow deer and wild boar.
The Orbetello Lagoon Nature Reserve is open to visitors year-round thanks to guided tours organized by the WWF. These tours allow visitors to explore the most picturesque parts of the reserve, observe birds up close, and learn about the characteristics of the natural habitats found there.
The Birdwatching Hut is located within the Orbetello Lagoon Nature Reserve and WWF Oasis, in the province of Grosseto. This observation point is ideal for birdwatchers and is situated along the Feniglia sandbar, easily accessible by bike or on foot. Near the hut, there is a parking lot accessible to people using wheelchairs, ensuring a comfortable arrival. However,the final stretch of the trail leading to the hut requires maintenance and is therefore not accessible to people with limited mobility. The trails leading up to the hut are mainly unpaved and well-maintained, though the surface can be uneven and sandy, especially after rain, which may pose a challenge for those with mobility impairments or who use mobility aids. The hut offers a stunning panoramic view of the Orbetello lagoon, where you can observe many bird species such as flamingos, herons, and black-winged stilts.
