Appennines nature and walking holiday, Italy
Description of Appennines nature and walking holiday, Italy
This six-day wildlife holiday in Italy’s magnificent Central Apennines is a fascinating introduction to the concept and practicalities of rewilding. And for those with a passion for wildlife-watching, it offers unforgettable opportunities to track and sight animals including wolves, golden eagles, chamois and the rare Marsican brown bear.
Rewilding is the process of restoring nature’s ecosystems and the biodiversity they support, allowing plants and animals to return to where they once belonged. As well as restoring balance to the landscape, rewilding can help in efforts against climate change, by improving the land’s ability to absorb carbon. One organisation leading the charge when it comes to European conservation efforts is Rewilding Europe. On arrival in Rome, you’ll transfer to the mountain town of Pescasseroli, and meet the team behind Rewilding Apennines, including the project leader, Mario Cipollone. This is a great opportunity to learn first-hand about their vital work, and have your questions answered.
The following four days will be spent tracking wildlife on foot in the company of a specialist nature guide, while also learning more about the project. This includes discovering a Smart Bear Community, and how bear corridors work, as well as how the project aims to manage conflict between the bears and local people, as well as farmers and shepherds. You’ll also see other initiatives, such as how old barbed wire is being removed from the countryside, and old wells covered up, to prevent harm to returning wildlife.
One evening in particular stands out, with a hike up to a cosy mountain refuge, where you’ll spend the night and dine on a selection of local wines and cheeses.
We’re used to seeing mainly bad news about biodiversity and wildlife in the news – come away from this Italy holiday inspired and optimistic that change is afoot.
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By travelling in a small group, led by a local guide, we ‘tread lightly’ to minimise our impact on local resources and the environment. On this trip part of the itinerary is off the beaten track and we stay one night in a mountain refuge. This trip will enable you to explore some of the area that is being rewilded through our Nature and Carbon Corridors’ project in partnership with Rewilding Europe. This trip supports rewilding, wildlife conservation and the restoration of precious ecosystems by helping develop ecotourism in the area, building important community and financial support for this work. Our local partner also contributes directly to Rewilding Europe’s work directly. In addition, we have committed to rewild 100 square metres of the Italian Apennines for every passenger who travels with us, through our Nature and Carbon Corridors Project. Use of transport on the trip is minimal – you will mostly be using your feet so the carbon footprint of this trip is low. We have also selected smaller, locally-run accommodation to minimise the impact on the surrounding environments. Accommodation and restaurants in the itinerary prioritise the use of locally sourced food that has not been transported long distances. Vegetarian and vegan options are available at all accommodation and restaurants. Plastic waste reduction: Please bring your own reusable water bottle on this trip; filtered water will be provided where tap water is not drinkable. Consider taking the train to this trip. Not only will it significantly reduce the carbon footprint of your holiday vs. flying, it also extends your adventure! Speak to us about information on planning your journey or about which train journeys we can book for you.People
Life can be hard in the Central Apennines. The power of the mountains can test even the toughest people, here. Isolation can be a burden and the necessity to make a living has often led in the past not to be gentle to nature. Thankfully, things have changed over the last few years and a new social and environmental awareness is rising: at its base there is a renewed interest in the wilderness and a positive attitude to investigate alternative ways to generate new economies based on the rewilding principles. This trip brings income and opportunity to the destination community through the inclusion of locally-owned hotels and restaurants, the emphasis on eating locally produced food and support of other local enterprises. Our local partner organises thematic public meetings dedicated to local communities, with the aims of speaking about the rewilding approach, making them aware of the nature values and benefits and involving people in the ground activities. One of this is the Rewilding Social Club, which aims to engage with people in the rewilding debate by sharing cooking practices and local produce that belong to the Marsican brown bear diet (such as wild herbs, berries, fruits, honey). They also organise educative programmes, mostly dedicated to young people and students from Central Apennines communities, to inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs. Finally, the use of a local guide on this trip not only provides employment but means travellers will be well informed about local traditions and cultural and social sensitivities.Popular similar holidays
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