Between Volterra and the heart of Colline Metallifere an uncontaminated and wild natural landscape is ready to be explored, as it carefully safeguards a wide variety of environments.

Three important Protected Areas give the territory of the Cecina Valley very distinctive natural and historical-cultural prestige: the Natural Reserve of Berignone, the Natural Reserve of Monterufoli-Caselli and the Natural Reserve of  Montenero, reaching an overall surface area of around 7100 hectares and crossing the municipalities of Pomarance, Monteverdi Marittimo, Montecatini Val di Cecina and Volterra.

The Natural Reserve of Monterufoli-Caselli holds a role of great natural importance thanks to the excellent condition of conservation and biodiversity. A Site of Community Importance and a Site of Regional Importance, the regional forest complexes of Monterufoli and Caselli, are part of this Natural Reserve.

A network of rivers, such as the Sterza and the Trossa, cross the vast forests and thick scrub to form one of the most important wilderness zones in all of Tuscany. Separated habitats contain flora and fauna with the most varied ecological features, distinguished by endemic flora and, principally, interesting  mineral and rock formations that appeal to geology lovers and hikers alike.

There are countless sporting, recreational and nature activity options. Choose from a quiet ride on bicycle or horseback along the network of simple paths and trekking fans will not be disappointed by the more demanding trails.

Facilities and information

Monterufoli Reserve
This is the only reserve that can be crossed by car on sealed secondary roads, although by rule this is only during the daytime. This road network can be reached by four main routes that begin from the hamlets of Libbiano, Serrazzano, Micciano and Querceto. At present there are no set educational trails.

Caselli Reserve
This part of the Reserve can be explored by following a set pathway network and has just a single main access that can be reached by car. The access point, signposted Caselli Forest, is found close to the SP18 in the Dispensa locality. Similarly to Berignone, the internal roads to the Reserve may only be covered on foot, by bicycle or on horseback. At present there are no set educational trails.

Berignone Reserve
Five access points can be reached by car and then a series of purposely laid out pathways lead to the places of interest. The inland roads to the Reserve may be covered on foot, by bicycle or on horseback. At present there are no set educational trails.

Montenero Reserve
The two main access points can be reached by car and then visitors continue on foot along the Nature Path to explore the reserve. Both access points are in the localities of Cafaggiolo and Capanne on the sealed Ulignano road in the municipality of Volterra. The Nature Path is the only route through the reserve and is marked on the reserve hiking map and on the Upper Cecina Valley hiking and tourism Map. There is just one designated rest area, in the locality of Cafaggiolo, corresponding to the main entrance.
All three reserves have explanatory notice boards at the main entrances, designated rest areas, some of which are also suitable for lighting fires, information panels stating the main resources and educational and accommodation structures.

Information and guided visits

Comunità Montana Alta Val di Cecina
Via Roncalli, 38 - 56045 Pomarance
tel. +39 (0)588 62003, fax +39 (0)588 62700
www.ambientevaldicecina.it

Volterra Valdicecina Valdera Tourism Consortium
Piazza dei priori, 20 – 56048 Volterra
tel. and fax. +39 (0)588 87257
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , www.volterratur.it

Toscana Fuori Sentiero GEA Guide Association
Via don Minzoni 22 - 56048 -  Volterra
tel. and fax. +39 (0)588 85797
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , www.toscanafuorisentiero.it