Valli di Argenta - Oasi di Campotto - Po Delta Park

The Campotto Wetlands are what remain of the ancient Argenta and Marmorta Lagoons. They began to form in the 12th century, when the Po di Primaro River, by then elevated above the surrounding land and clogged with sediments, was no longer able to receive the waters of the various Apennine streams flowing into this area.

Today, the wetlands function as flood expansion basins and are used during periods of high water to collect excess water from the lower Bolognese plain. The water is then released into the Reno River through sluice gates and pumping stations.

The area is divided into three main sections. The Campotto and Bassarone Basin features a system of freshwater wetlands and canals for flood control, along with numerous trails that can be accessed freely or with a guide. Valle Santa is characterized by emergent vegetation, including extensive reed beds and water-lily flats; nearby lies a wet meadow, an ideal nesting and resting site for many bird species. Bosco del Traversante represents one of the last remaining fragments of the Po Valley floodplain forest: in this environment, periodically in contact with water, both shrub communities and imposing tree formations thrive.