Oasi WWF del Bosco del Bottaccio

The WWF Oasis “Bosco del Bottaccio” is located within a Site of Community Importance (SCI IT5120101), covering a total area of 47 hectares, and is managed by “WWF Alta Toscana Onlus.”

This area, designated by the Municipality of Capannori as a Protected Area of Local Interest (ANPIL), is crossed by waters flowing down from the Monti Pisani mountains, creating marshy and semi-marshy transitional environments leading into the woodland.

Although the area has been altered by human activity over the years, it still retains strong natural characteristics. In 1993, it was established as a protected area and became part of the network of 130 WWF natural oases across Italy, with the aim of safeguarding the landscape, flora, and fauna, while also making the area accessible to school groups and visitors. Later, the protected zone was expanded thanks to the cooperation of the municipalities of Capannori and Bientina.

The name “Bottaccio” refers to the reclaimed areas fully enclosed by embankments to collect torrent waters and sediments. Indeed, the “bottacci” are the artificial basins found in the area, designed to collect waters coming down from the Monti Pisani.

The landscape is highly diverse, featuring several distinct habitats including woodland areas, wet meadows, reed beds, and “chiari” — clearings that form a varied mosaic. The small lowland forest is mainly composed of oak (Quercus robur) and black alder, accompanied by elm, maple, elderberry, and other typical native species.

Notably, the rare Arisarum proboscideum, an endemic species of the Italian peninsula whose rhizomes are highly sought after by porcupines, can be found here. The lower-lying areas of the Bottaccio, populated by reed canary grass and willow groves, along with the wet meadows, may not have remarkable floral features but greatly contribute to the landscape’s charm and environmental diversity.

The animal species inhabiting this oasis are very diverse. Visitors may encounter wild boars, foxes, porcupines, and many rodents including dormice, voles, and edible dormice. Amphibians such as the crested newt, the smooth newt, frogs, and tree frogs—the symbol of the oasis—are also present.

The area is ideal, especially during the early months of the year, for birdwatching: from mallards and coots to moorhens and little grebes. The reed beds provide shelter to bitterns and reed warblers, which also inhabit nearby canals. During migration, grey herons, purple herons, and white storks stop here to rest and feed. These species sometimes frequented the water bodies near the “bottacci,” and their presence indicates a healthy and high-quality environment.

The WWF Oasis of Bottaccio is equipped with elevated walkways for exploring the wetland, two birdwatching hides located at the edge of the clearings, a rest area with facilities, and a “Nature Trail” featuring educational panels on the local flora and fauna.

Guided tours begin with an introductory presentation on the history and natural environment of the surrounding area and the Oasis. The tour then follows the Nature Trail, passing through the oak and alder woods. Visitors will cross meadows and flooded areas until reaching the clearings, where they can stop to observe the local birdlife.

Environmental education activities are also organized for preschools, primary schools, and lower secondary schools. Both classroom sessions and excursions to the Oasis typically last about 2 hours.

Minimum contribution: €3.00.

Free entry for residents of the Municipality of Capannori, WWF members, and accompanied children under 12 years old.

Domenico Verducci (also for arranging guided tours and photographer access outside opening hours):
Tel. +39 349 4340393
Email: boscobottaccio@wwf.it

Marcello Marinelli:
Tel. +39 349 8542253
Email: marinelli.marcello@gmail.com / altatoscana@wwf.it