The Macchiatonda Reserve Visitor Centre is placed on the ground floor of the La Scogliera premises, in the Cortile dei Trottatori of the Castello di Santa Severa, where the offices of the Nature Reserve are located. The Offices are located on the upper floor. Inside there is an exhibit of fauna and flora coming from different environments, as well as a permanent photographic exhibition on the territory of the Macchiatonda Reserve and the Tolfa Mountains. The visitor can also admire the species that inhabit our sea in the Mediterranean marine aquarium. The Visitor Centre hosts cultural and scientific events. Regional law established the protected area in 1983.

The Reserve wetland is used as a source of food and shelter by numerous migrating and resident bird species. The most numerous occurrences in terms of number of species and individuals are those of the anatidae and the limicolous, favoured by the ecological conditions of the habitats conserved in the Reserve. Many species of birds find nourishment even in agricultural areas; appropriate cultivation techniques contribute to the creation of various ecological niches.

The Paths. The Reserve is accessible by taking a Nature trail starting from the square in front of the beach through the bush, with a series of explanatory panels. You then reach the first pond. Along the way, there is also an itinerary for the blind. By continuing along the road parallel to the coast, you enter the path of the wetland, where there are observation huts, which allow you to have close encounters with various bird species.

The Reserve is considered an ideal site for birdwatchers and nature photographers. For visits and information, it is possible to go to the Macchiatonda Reserve Visitor Centre or get in touch with the following contacts.

Ph: 0766/571097
Facebook: Riserva Naturale regionale di Macchiatonda
Cell phone (park ranger) 345 2554653

Photo credits by:
Patrizio De Martis, Photographic Archive of the Macchiatonda Reserve