Reserve and protected area
Riserva Naturale del Paludo e dei Rivi di Moasca
Agliano Terme · Calosso · Costigliole d’Asti · Moasca
Reedbeds, ditches, small pools and vineyards form an unexpected wetland in southern Astigiano. Paludo and the Moasca streams protect a valley floor important for birds, amphibians and rural vegetation.
A wetland among vineyards
The reserve covers 177.20 hectares in Agliano Terme, Calosso, Costigliole d’Asti and Moasca. Its best-known core lies between the artificial Sant’Agnese pond and valley reedbeds. Ditches, small spring pools, hedges and fields connect water with vineyard hills.
Reedbeds and migrating birds
Common reed forms roosts and stopover habitat for birds. Reed bunting, bluethroat, penduline tit, reed warbler and little bittern are among species recorded through the year. Lessona’s frog also lives in small pools. Numbers vary with season, water and disturbance; binoculars and careful listening work best.
Mulberries and rural landscape
Old pollarded mulberries along local lanes recall silkworm rearing. Blackthorn, dogwood and hawthorn hedges line ditches; poplar plots, planted oaks and vineyards reveal other valley uses. Protection also grew from bird observation and scientific ringing with local volunteers.
Observe without approaching
Paludo is a small, sensitive habitat, better for quiet observation than a long hike. Use clearly open local roads and stop at open viewpoints without entering reedbeds or the banks of Sant’Agnese pond. Migration periods bring more activity; mornings and late afternoons suit listening and distant photography.
A small landscape to observe
Paludo’s value comes from neighbouring still water, ditches, reeds, hedges, poplars and vineyards. Bluethroats use reeds differently from herons, while swallows and wagtails favour open ground. Hedges provide food and cover, and mulberries recall centuries of interaction between farming and nature. Scientific ringing tracks bird movements. With binoculars, scan reed edges first, then wires and isolated trees, and finally the sky above the valley.
Places to discover
Open a place on the map to find your bearings. Follow permitted access routes and signs on site.
Laghetto Sant’Agnese
Artificial pond beside the best-known reedbeds; its banks belong to a fishing association.
Open in Google Maps · Laghetto Sant’AgneseCalosso
Hill village near the Paludo area, showing the contrast between vineyards and wet valley floor.
Open in Google Maps · CalossoMoasca
The village gives its name to streams crossing the protected landscape.
Open in Google Maps · MoascaBefore you visit
How large is the reserve?
177.20 hectares across Agliano Terme, Calosso, Costigliole d’Asti and Moasca.
When is bird activity greatest?
During migration and the cooler hours. Species change through the year, so each season brings different observations.