Pescinello Nature Reserve

The Pescinello Nature Reserve is located in the upper valley of the Albegna, on the left bank of the river, in the territory of Roccalbegna, and extends for 149 hectares. The reserve safeguards the southern slopes of the limestone complex of Mount Labbro; the northern slopes are instead part of the Monte Labbro Nature Reserve.

The area is characterized by a high biodiversity, thanks to the presence of woods, shrubbery, limestone cliffs, springs, waterholes and gorges. Within the park, centuries-old trees of extraordinary size and beauty survive, like the European hop-hornbeam, European cornel, downy oak and basswood.

The nature reserve is also at the centre of a project for the reintroducing of the red-legged partridge, the Egyptian vulture (the smallest of its kind, once numerous in Maremma) and the white-clawed crayfish. A wetland was also recreated for the yellow-bellied toad, a rare and delicate amphibian. Mong the mammals that inhabit the reserve, there are wildcats and musky octopuses; birds include the hen harrier, black kite and lanner falcon.