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The coastline of Tuscan Maremma that extends from Principina a Mare to Talamone is partially delimited to the east by the Aurelia road. The Maremma Natural Park, officially instituted in 1975, extends over an area of 100 km, excluding the peripheral strip of land, and is delimited to the South and S/W by the sea. The area extends southwards into a high eroded coastline that overlooks the sea, followed by long beaches in the upper region. From a naturalistic point of view the Park makes up a very valuable network of ecosystems thanks to the complex formed by Monti dell'Uccellina, the pine forest of Marina di Alberese, the mouth of the Ombrone River and the Paludi della Trappola (Wetlands of the Trappola). Despite various human interventions over time, the peculiarities of the landscape have neither been impoverished nor degraded.
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Marshy areas called Paludi della Trappola extend over a plain to the north of the Ombrone River. These wetland depressions, which may be permanent or temporary, alternate with low dunes. One of the main features of this part of the Park is the Maremma bovine, bred in the wild for the most part of the year. During the winter, a great number of aquatic migratory birds find shelter in ponds and creeks scattered throughout the marsh. Various species of avifauna are present all year round.
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A compact area formed by an alternating sequence of dunes and pine forests extends to the left side of the Ombrone river mouth. The stone pine forest is separated from the sea by a strip of maritime pines having the function of protecting the rear areas from the harmful action of salty winds
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A mountain range (Monti dell' Uccellina), almost completely covered with a thick forest vegetation (Mediterranean bush), dominates the central and southern areas of the Park. Only the lower part of the slopes has been deforested and transformed into olive groves and pastures. Antique towers and religious buildings, that testify to the presence of ancient civilizations on the territory, are scattered throughout the Uccellina mountains: the Abbey of San Rabano (for the most part in ruins), the towers of Castelmarino, Collelungo, Cala di Forno and Bella Marsilia.
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CANOE ITINERARIES
"Cooperativa Silva" in collaboration with the Regional Park of Maremma organizes guided canoe trips of approximately 2 and a half hours.
They use Canadian canoes that are stabilized and absolutely unsinkable, suitable for beginners, non-swimmers and young children; life jackets are available upon request. No particular clothing is required; just dress comfortably according to the weather.
For information and booking, you can either call: 0564 407098 (Park visitors' center), 331 5264929 (Cooperativa Silva), visit our website: www.silvacoop.com or send an email to: info@silvacoop.com
The canoe embarkation point is situated in the locality "La Barca" (near Alberese), a stretch of waterway which used to carry out ferry-boat service up to 40 years ago. In the town of Spolverino you can still see the remains of an ancient Roman bridge, known as "Ponte del diavolo" (devil's bridge). You can also admire cormorants perched on the branches of withered eucalyptus trees that were planted along the river banks during the reclamation operations. The typical wild bovines of Maremma can be found grazing in the surrounding fields.
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