Macchiagrande Oasis

With the name of Macchiagrande WWF Oasis we actually refer to three natural oases in the municipality of Fiumicino which constitute important residual parts of what were once alluvial areas and flooded forests on the Roman coast: the Macchiagrande Oasis, the Bosco Foce dell’Arrone Oasis and the Maccarese basins.

The Macchiagrande Oasis is located within a Site of Community Importance that constitutes a Special Conservation Area. The area, of 280 hectares, is located within the Roman Coast State Nature Reserve, and is one of the most significant sites for the protection and conservation of the coastal environment; it is also the largest of the three and within it there is the Mediterranean wood behind the dunes and a Mediterranean forest among the most beautiful and preserved of the Lazio coast where the holm oak predominates. Among the numerous animals that populate it we find the fallow deer, the porcupine, the fox, the badger, the barn owl, the tawny owl, the scops owl and the little owl, the Hermann's tortoise and also several species of aquatic birds that usually frequent the drainage canals.

The Bosco Foce dell’Arrone Oasis extends for about 200 hectares and preserves one of the most intact Tyrrhenian coastal areas of Lazio with hygrophilous forest, Mediterranean wood and riparian vegetation. The Oasis became part of the WWF Oasis system in 2011 thanks to the fundraising and commitment of the Maccarese Spa Property integrating the network of protected natural areas of the Maccarese and Fregene district entrusted to the WWF and located within the Roman Coast State Nature Reserve. It is crossed by three nature trails for a total length of about 2.5 km that allow you to appreciate the different environments present in the area: the natural meadow, the forest, the wetland and the coastal dune.

The Maccarese pools extend for about 33 hectares, with the majority occupied by five artificial pools built in 1970, initially for hunting purposes, then converted for aquaculture without any success. After the conversion for aquaculture, the pools were abandoned and this allowed the establishment, over the years, of a fauna and flora typical of humid environments.

 Along the trails there are noticeboards and educational panels that allow you to learn more about the plants and animals present, as well as observation huts and rest points. In the Oases it is also possible to carry out thematic visits for groups and school groups.

The management of the Oases is by WWF Oasi, in agreement with the owner, Società Maccarese S.p.A, and with the Municipality of Fiumicino.

Photo credits: the Macchiagrande Oasis official Facebook page