The Selva del Lamone Nature Reserve: An Ecosystem Shaped by Volcanism
The excursion is organized by ISPRA as part of the 14th edition of Earth Science Week
This 6.5-km circular trail runs through the Selva del Lamone Regional Nature Reserve, following mule tracks that border volcanic outcrops colonized by vegetation.
The Reserve is an important biotope established on a basaltic lava flow belonging to the Vulsini Volcanic Complex, which was emplaced approximately 100,000 years ago, followed by cooling and subsequent fragmentation. This process gave rise to the frasfuni, a chaotic expanse of basaltic blocks, the most famous of which is known as Rosa Crepante.
- https://www.isprambiente.gov.it/en/news/the-selva-del-lamone-nature-reserve-an-ecosystem-shaped-by-volcanism
- The Selva del Lamone Nature Reserve: An Ecosystem Shaped by Volcanism
- 2026-10-03T10:30:00+02:00
- 2026-10-03T16:30:00+02:00
- The excursion is organized by ISPRA as part of the 14th edition of Earth Science Week This 6.5-km circular trail runs through the Selva del Lamone Regional Nature Reserve, following mule tracks that border volcanic outcrops colonized by vegetation. The Reserve is an important biotope established on a basaltic lava flow belonging to the Vulsini Volcanic Complex, which was emplaced approximately 100,000 years ago, followed by cooling and subsequent fragmentation. This process gave rise to the frasfuni, a chaotic expanse of basaltic blocks, the most famous of which is known as Rosa Crepante.
- When Oct 03, 2026 from 10:30 AM to 04:30 PM (Europe/Berlin / UTC200)
- Where Riserva Naturale Regionale Selva del Lamone, Località Roppozzo, Farnese (VT)
-
Add event to calendar
iCal
The main destination of the excursion, Rosa Crepante is a spectacular natural amphitheatre of grey lava, probably an ancient crater formed by the interaction between incandescent lava and a marshy area.
The numerous cavities between the basalt blocks trap cold air, acting as thermal traps. This microclimatic inversion, together with the high level of humidity, promotes the proliferation of mosses, lichens and ferns, creating a distinctive landscape.
The broadleaf woodland is dominated by Turkey oak and also includes hornbeams, maples, manna ashes and rare beech trees growing at low elevations. The vegetation has developed sinuous, deep root systems that allow plants to anchor themselves within the cracks and fissures of the basalt.
The rugged terrain historically prevented intensive agriculture and widespread deforestation, helping to preserve the area’s pristine natural environment. This labyrinthine landscape also provided shelter for the Maremma banditry of the 19th century.
EXCURSION DETAILS
Difficulty level: Moderate
Distance: 6.5 km
Elevation gain: 150 m
RECOMMENDED CLOTHING AND EQUIPMENT
Comfortable clothing and hiking or walking shoes, hat, water, packed lunch
REGISTRATION AND INSURANCE
Registration is mandatory by 26 September 2026
Maximum number of participants: 50
Insurance is recommended and is the responsibility of the participant