The Riserva Naturale Orientata Cassa di Espansione del Fiume Secchia is one of the most important wetland nature reserves in Emilia-Romagna — a remarkable and tranquil ecological sanctuary located just a short distance from the city of Reggio Emilia, where the River Secchia expands into a wide, shallow basin that acts as a natural flood control system and, simultaneously, as a thriving refuge for an extraordinary diversity of bird, amphibian, fish and plant life.
The reserve’s shallow waters, reed beds, meadows and riparian woodland create a mosaic of habitats that supports over two hundred species of bird, making it one of the most significant birdwatching destinations in the Po Valley and an essential stopping point on migratory routes between central Europe and the Mediterranean. Herons, egrets, cormorants, spoonbills, kingfishers, marsh harriers and a remarkable variety of waders and waterfowl inhabit and visit the reserve throughout the year, offering an ever-changing spectacle of natural beauty and biological diversity.
A network of walking and cycling paths winds through the reserve, providing accessible routes for visitors of all ages and abilities. Observation hides and elevated viewing platforms are strategically positioned to allow close observation of the birdlife without disturbance, and the natural soundscape — wind in the reeds, the calls of waterbirds, the whisper of the river — creates an atmosphere of profound peace and restorative calm.
The reserve is particularly spectacular during the spring and autumn migration seasons, when thousands of birds pause here on their long journeys. Dawn visits reward the early riser with an experience of extraordinary natural theatre.
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