Riserva Naturale dell’Isolone di Bertolla

Hidden within Turin’s urban embrace lies a secret sanctuary, the Riserva Naturale dell’Isolone di Bertolla. A place where nature reclaims its dominion, defying the relentless march of concrete and steel. The Riserva Naturale dell’Isolone di Bertolla is an unexpected oasis. It thrives at the meeting point of the Stura di Lanzo and the Po River. This nature reserve, encompassing 245 hectares, offers a refuge for a surprising array of life. It is shared by the municipalities of Turin and San Mauro Torinese. At its heart lies the Isolone di Bertolla itself, cradled between the Po to the south and the Iren Energia canal to the north. This unique island, a testament to nature’s resilience, has remained untouched by development thanks to its relative inaccessibility. The Riserva Naturale dell’Isolone di Bertolla boasts an extraordinary feature: an urban heronry, the only one of its kind in Italy. High in the poplars of the Isolone, a colony of grey herons has made its home. Their presence adds a touch of untamed wilderness to this urban landscape. Ongoing re-naturalization efforts are transforming the poplar groves that dominate the island. The municipality of Turin and the Po Park Authority are working hand-in-hand to restore this precious ecosystem. Despite the constant hum of city life at its borders, the Riserva Naturale dell’Isolone di Bertolla teems with life. Over 100 bird species, some exceedingly rare, call this reserve home. Diving species, like grebes and little grebes, are particularly prevalent. Near the Pascolo dam, among reeds and water lilies, a variety of birds nest. You might glimpse a great crested grebe, a mallard, or a common moorhen. The Riserva Naturale dell’Isolone di Bertolla is more than just a haven for birds. It is a vital green space for the city. A cycling path, built by the city of Turin, runs along the Iren Energia canal. It connects San Mauro Torinese to Moncalieri, offering breathtaking views of the Po and the reserve. The Meisino area, encompassing the reserve, is also a designated Special Protection Zone, further emphasizing its ecological importance. Even the presence of the wolf within this urban wilderness has been documented, a testament to the reserve’s ability to support a diverse range of wildlife. The Riserva Naturale dell’Isolone di Bertolla stands as a symbol of hope, a reminder that even in the heart of a bustling city, nature can find a way to thrive. It invites us to reconnect with the natural world, to appreciate its beauty, and to protect it for generations to come.