Alviano: a small paradise in the naturalistic oasis of the lake

Oasi WWF di Alviano - In Alviano, a town in the province of Terni, there is the naturalistic oasis of the Alviano lake. The lake was born artificially in 1963 due to a dam of the Tiber river. The oasis covers about 900 hectares and is managed by the WWF. The entrance is located in the municipality of Guardea, but embraces other municipalities including Alviano, Montecchio and Civitella d'Agliano.

It was born because the lake was subject to swamping that naturally attracted various animal species, a phenomenon that led the institutions to integrate everything into a recognized oasis. It includes freshwater wetlands and hygrophilous woods, and there are many species of birds that can nest there, stop during migrations and / or overwinter. Black alder, poplars and willows with widespread ivy are examples of the local flora. The fauna is equally rich: ducks (mallards, teals, shovelers, wigeons), grebes, cormorants, herons of various species, bitterns, bitterns, coots, glossies and spoonbills. There are many species of passerines, specifically siskin and thrush. Also present are the marsh harrier and osprey. Among the mammals we remember the nutria, the badger, the porcupine, the fox, the wild boar and the squirrel. The visit is also very pleasant because the area is equipped with paths, walkways on the water and lookout towers for observing birds. There is also the 'Oasi di Alviano' Environmental Education Center, where research and educational courses are carried out.