Val di Cembra and the Rete di Riserve Alta Val di Cembra-Avisio
In harmony with the environment
Val di Cembra is in east Trentino, on the border with Alto Adige and Val di Fiemme.
It is bisected by the River Avisio, which has carved deep canyons into the hard rock after millennia flowing down from Marmolada to the River Adige.
The river splits the valley into two halves, engraving a deep mark on its morphology, history and economic prosperity, creating profound differences between the right and left banks in terms of industry and agriculture.
The valley's right bank is characterised by stunning centuries-old vineyards cultivated on dry-stone-wall terraces which, thanks to the valley's variety of micro-climates and porphyry soil, produce fine wines such as Müller Thurgau. Vast forests of broad-leaf and coniferous trees are found at higher altitudes: diverse habitats where wild animals contribute to maintaining the valley's rich biological equilibrium. These include red deer, roe deer, foxes, squirrels, birds of prey, woodpeckers, reptiles and amphibians.
The valley's left bank sits alongside the Lagorai, a mountain chain renowned as being the largest alpine area in Europe to be uninhabited by humans. The principal industry in the lower part of the valley is porphyry mining, widely used for the paving of streets and squares.
Val di Cembra is therefore a mosaic of rich biodiverse environments and a place of extreme natural beauty.
Those particularly worth a mention include the River Avisio, high-altitude peat bogs, primarily found in Alta Val di Cembra, and the renowned Earth Pyramids in Segonzano.
The Rete di Riserve Alta Val di Cembra-Avisio, a protected area comprising the municipalities of Altavalle, Capriana and Segonzano, was established in 2011 to protect and optimise the potential of these locations and to contribute to an economic development programme which is both sustainable and respects the environment, created based on a voluntary agreement between the local administrations and the Provincia di Trento.
The Rete di Riserve conducts environmental protection, research and educational activities; furthermore, it promotes tours and visits to the area: hiking trails, forest tracks and educational walks that go on for miles, for those wishing to immerse themselves in this environment and savour the environmental, cultural, historical, geological and food and wine opportunities Alta Val di Cembra offers.
A small selection of the Rete di Riserve territory's "absolutely must not miss" places to visit:
Lac del Vedes
one of the most beautiful and remarkable peat bogs in the Alps. Over the course of thousands of years the peat produced by aquatic plants has covered most of the ancient glacial basin, leaving just a small lake. The peat bog's vegetation consists of a carpet of very peculiar moss as well as small rare marsh plants. This environment is vital for many species of animals which rely on water for their survival and reproduction, for example dragonflies and amphibians.
Lago di Valda
a fascinating environment, exploding with rare plants and animals. Until just a few years ago, Lago di Valda was completely covered with trees and shrubs, which had grown as a result of past land reclamation activities. Recently, thanks to environmental protection work, an area of water was restored close to the edge of the peat bog, guaranteeing a suitable habitat for the survival and reproduction of rare aquatic fauna.
Lago Nero
is located at an altitude of approximately 1700 metres, in the municipality of Capriana, near Monte Corno. It is situated within an area of great importance from an environmental and forestry standpoint and is a vital biotope for the reproduction of many species of amphibians and reptiles. The majority of the peat bog is covered by marsh vegetation and it also has a small lake. The Rete di Riserve has installed a short guided walk with wooden gangway to maximise the visitor experience.
Avisio
a wild river which flows across the entire Val di Cembra through the porphyry gorge to completely divide the valley into a right and left bank. Its course starts from lake Fedaia (2028 m) at the foot of the Marmolada glacier, and flows into the River Adige after passing through the Fassa, Fiemme and Cembra valleys. In the Cembra valley, the River Avisio flows a good distance away from inhabited areas, creating a wild environment where nature remains completely unspoilt.
Segonzano Pyramids
a masterpiece of nature and a geological phenomenon that is unique in Trentino and rare throughout the world: approximately 50,000-year-old columns standing up to 20 metres high supporting porphyry stones on top.
The Old Trades Trail
On the Rio dei Molini between Grumes and Grauno there are at least 20 water-powered machines in ancient works such as mills, sawmills and forges, three of which have been restored. The Old Trades Trail interlinks these buildings, offering the visitor an unforgettable experience of a unique environmental and historical landscape.
Green Grill - Info & Flavours
is the home of the Rete di Riserve, where you will find suggestions and information on how to discover the surrounding environment at a leisurely pace and taste Val di Cembra's fine wines, accompanied by our cured meats, cheeses, honeys, jams...
For further information regarding the projects, activities and events organised by Rete di Riserve Alta Val di Cembra-Avisio, please visit the site www.reteriservevaldicembra.tn.it.
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