Bosco Spada Nature Reserve

Bosco Spada is located near the Abbey of Pomposa and is one of the natural biotopes, remnants of ancient woodland formations contemporaneous with the Bosco Eliceo, that once extended along the coastline until the second half of the 17th century, before being largely destroyed over time for timber extraction or to make way for agricultural land.

Formed along alignments of fossil dunes, its main native tree species include pedunculate oak, narrow-leaved ash, European hornbeam, and white poplar. Following a reforestation program carried out in 1978, maritime pine and stone pine were also planted. The area also contains a small wetland, which serves as a refuge for many species of aquatic birds.

In 1989, the woodland biotope was further enhanced by the addition of an adjacent 8-hectare area, where environmental restoration works were carried out, including the reconstruction of dunes and wetlands, as well as reforestation with native tree and shrub species.