The Parco delle Groane e della Brughiera Briantea is a breath of fresh air in the bustling metropolitan area of Milan. It’s a regional protected area, established in 1976 and expanded in 2017. The park encompasses more than 8,000 hectares of woods and moorlands. These moorlands are known locally as ‘groane’, a word that refers to the harsh, clay-rich soil. This soil is actually the reason for the name of the park itself.
The Parco delle Groane e della Brughiera Briantea is a haven for wildlife. It’s a place where you can see everything from red deer to Italian crested newts. There are 16 hiking paths and cycling trails, stretching for a total of 100 kilometers. The park is a place where you can escape the hustle and bustle of city life and enjoy the peace and quiet of nature. The ‘groane’ are quite unsuitable for agriculture; so the park is filled with natural beauty. It’s a place where you can learn about the rich history of the area, from the Pleistocene glacial retreat to the creation of brick kilns in the 18th century.
The park hosts diverse fauna, including numerous amphibians like the Italian crested newt and the smooth newt, as well as a variety of reptiles such as the western green lizard and the European wall lizard. There are also several bird species, including the European green woodpecker, the great spotted woodpecker, and the common kestrel. Mammals are also abundant, including squirrels, dormice, voles, and hares.
This is a place to get away from it all. It’s a chance to breathe in the fresh air and reconnect with nature. The Parco delle Groane e della Brughiera Briantea is a beautiful and special place. It’s a reminder that even in the heart of a busy city, there is still room for nature to flourish. And if you’re looking for a place to escape the city for a while, this park is well worth a visit.