Bosco di Porporana

Bosco di Porporana is the closest surviving example of the lowland riparian woodlands that once characterised the floodplain areas of the River Po. It is the only remaining woodland of its kind featuring spontaneous vegetation and a rich variety of native tree species.

The forest is mainly cultivated as a poplar grove, with trees that can withstand prolonged flooding. Within the area, two distinct sections can be identified: the Bosco Vecchio (Old Wood), located on the higher part of the floodplain and rarely reached by floodwaters, where elms and English oaks grow; and the Bosco Nuovo (New Wood), characterised by white willows and black poplars. The woodland is home to a wide range of wildlife, particularly birds, which find an ideal nesting habitat here.

The dry riverbanks are populated by pioneer species, while sedge (Carex) grows in the wetter areas. The forest and the surrounding floodplain are mainly used for educational and recreational tourism activities. Every June, the evening event “Fireflies in the Wood” takes place once again.

Access with dogs is permitted only if they are kept on a leash, along designated paths, during daylight hours and in groups of no more than 15 people.

How to get there
By car: From Ferrara, head towards Casaglia, continue to Ravalle and then to Porporana. Once in the village, go up onto the Po embankment and continue to the right until you reach the woodland.
By bicycle: From Ferrara, follow the “Anello d’Acqua del Burana Ferrara–Bondeno–Destra Po” cycle route, first along the FE203 greenway and then joining the Destra Po cycle path towards Bondeno, which leads directly to the Bosco di Porporana Oasis.