Trasimeno - Habitat restoration and conservation of Ardeidae on Lake Trasimeno

The main project objective was to restore alluvial forests – ash and alder - on 12 ha of land along the shore of Trasimeno, the largest lake in Italy, located in the province of Perugia in Umbria. Discussions and meetings were held between different stakeholders to reach political agreement on the protection of the important land. This enabled the purchase of six hectares of agricultural land, the planting of 12.25 ha of hygrophilous riparian wood and the establishment of five artificial basins at three sites. Three basins were created between 10 and 80 cm deep at San Savino, ‘La Valle’ Oasis and at the former airport site at Castiglione del Lago. A viewing tower was restored at San Savino and viewing huts created at each of the other four feeding basins. Information panels in Italian and English were installed at each of the sites. The project carried out research on the opinions and existing awareness of local citizens and held meetings with community groups. Further communication work included a website and the publication of brochures, guides, multi-media products and articles for regional and national parks, environmental associations and protection authorities, schools and the media.