Bric Montariolo - Sito di Interesse Comunitario - Aree protette Po Piemontese

It is located in the municipalities of Pecetto di Valenza (AL) and Valenza (AL). Natura 2000 Network Code: IT1180032. Land area (ha): 545.00. Bric Montariolo, near the town of Pecetto di Valenza, extends across the easternmost foothills of the Monferrato hills, overlooking the lower Alessandria plain and the Lomellina region. The environment is largely agricultural. The less favorable exposures to agriculture are covered by extensive, continuous broadleaf forests, predominantly black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia). The site and the Nature Reserve were established primarily to protect the presence of a large number of orchid species. Thirteen species of wild orchids have been recorded so far: Anacamptis morio, Cephalanthera longifolia, Cephalanthera damasonium, Himantoglossum adriaticum, Barlia robertiana, Ophrys fuciflora, Ophrys apifera, Ophrys sphegodes, Ophrys appennina, Ophrys dinarica, Orchis anthropophora, Orchis purpurea, and Serapias neglecta. Regarding fauna, 120 species of birds have been recorded, including the abundant European bee-eater (Merops apiaster), raptors such as the common buzzard (Buteo buteo), the honey buzzard (Pernis apivorus), and crepuscular and nocturnal species such as the scops owl (Asio otus), the little owl (Athene noctua), and the nightjar (Caprimulgus europaeus). Among the invertebrates, a moth of European conservation interest, the European Ivy Moth (Callimorpha quadripunctaria), is present. The European Red Squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris) is easily found in the area. Bric Montariolo is crossed by a path that presents no particular difficulty and is well marked with CAI signs. From the historic center of Pecetto di Valenza, follow trail 627 that descends toward the town's sports facilities. There is a large picnic area with a children's playground right at the foot of Bric Montariolo. Source and more information: link below. Attached is a brochure from the Park Authority with some best practices for those visiting the Piedmontese Po Park.