FONTANE BIANCHE

An area of springs with exceptional environmental value

Let’s discover the Fontane Bianche

In the floodplain area of the Piave River, there is an approximately 100-hectare area of springs with exceptional environmental value, known as Fontane Bianche. This area is one of the most spectacular in the entire Alta Marca Trevigiana region.

Geographical and Geomorphological Location

From a geomorphological perspective, the Fontane Bianche are situated at the entrance of the Nervesa gorge, just above the confluence of the Soligo River into the Piave, the last tributary before the Piave leaves its mountainous catchment area and enters the Venetian plain. Specifically, the springs are located at the point where the Raboso and Rosper streams flow into the Piave, separated from the Soligo by the rocky outcrop on which the village of Falzé di Piave sits.

In the heart of Fontane Bianche, the Legambiente Sernaglia della Battaglia association has managed a 35-hectare plot since 1990, leased from the Genio Civile of Treviso. This area features a dense and well-preserved riparian forest, numerous springs, and water bodies. A well-designed educational and naturalistic trail has been developed here, allowing for the thorough exploration and observation of the diverse floral and faunal species present.

Find out more about Fontane Bianche

The numerous basins and springs present are fed by groundwater from an upstream watershed that includes the Trevigian Prealps, the hills, and the Palù of the Piave District, covering an area of about 5,000 hectares. The mentioned aquifer is largely independent of the confluence with the Piave River and remains constant and abundant even during the dry periods of the latter, except for times of prolonged drought.

The toponym “Fontane Bianche” refers to the constant clarity of the spring waters, and the water temperature is almost constant, around 13°C, at least for a certain stretch of the spring, until the external environmental temperature overtakes that of the watercourse.

History-Archaeology

The area has been inhabited since ancient times, with a continuous series of settlements dating back to the Neolithic, active throughout the Bronze Age until the beginning of the Iron Age. These were mostly flint processing settlements, as evidenced by the artifacts and production waste found in the fields overlooking the Piave terrace. The river and its gravel bed represented an important communication route, as the overlying plain was completely covered by a riparian forest. Bronze artifacts and glass beads have also been found in the area, indicating connections with copper mines beyond the Alps and glass workshops in the lower Piave region.

Flora

The springs, located within the floodplain area of the Piave, are immersed in a riparian forest that is mostly left in its natural state, except for maintenance and cleaning efforts by volunteers in the areas closest to the paths. Decaying trunks and branches, either fallen or suspended in mid-air, immediately give the impression of a primeval forest, with its complete cycle of plants that are born, grow, and die on site without being removed.

From a botanical point of view, there are both species typical of the plains, coming from the south, as well as thermophilic species descending from the surrounding hills, and there are also plant communities typical of wetlands. Among the most interesting species are the orchids, the red lily, the valley lungwort, and the now rare Siberian iris. Where the current is stronger, we find the water buttercup. In calmer waters, water mint, watercress, and duckweed grow. It’s also worth noting the phenomenon of repeated blooms in this area, linked to the isotermia of spring waters.

The tallest trees are poplars and alders. In the rich undergrowth, there are species that provide berries and fruits for wildlife, such as elderberry, hazelnut, dogwood, buckthorn, spindle tree, privet, dog rose, along with climbing plants like clematis, bittersweet, and honeysuckle.

Fauna

The presence of abundant waters hidden from sight favors the reproduction of fish species that, as adults, will move to the main river. Typical spring species such as the loach, the three-spined stickleback, and the Padanian lamprey are found here, along with other species such as the chub, the brown trout, the marble trout, and the rainbow trout (a non-native species).

Amphibians are present in the calmer and stagnant waters where they can lay their eggs, such as the Lataste’s frog, which has almost completely disappeared and is listed on the global Red List of vulnerable species.

Reptiles are also present, like the grass snake. There is significant interest in the presence of migratory bird species. The area in front of the Trevigiane Prealps and the surrounding hills is a constant source of rising air currents, making it a preferred corridor for the movement of migratory birds to and from northern and eastern Europe. The dense vegetation of the “Fontane,” the numerous hidden water basins, far from inhabited areas, provide an irresistible haven for migratory flocks. Here, they find an ideal tranquil oasis to rest and refuel, and sometimes even to winter, such as mallards, water rails, garganeys, little egrets, and grey herons, among others. As for resident species, there are various types of woodpeckers, birds of prey such as common owls, tawny owls, buzzards, and of course, the kingfisher.

Small and medium-sized mammals are present, along with various types of bats, as well as roe deer, hares, foxes, weasels, stone martens, and the now ubiquitous wild boar.

Over the years, due to the constant increase in visitors seeking tranquility and school groups aiming to deepen their naturalistic knowledge, the structures of the trail have been continuously renovated and enhanced.

We take pride in the success we’ve achieved with our visitors, which encourages us to improve our activities further. However, we cannot ignore that the current visitor level (estimated at around 20,000 annually) demands higher management standards for the maintenance of trails and facilities, ensuring both visitor safety and the protection of the natural environment.

So far, management has relied almost entirely on the work of volunteers who have provided their time and equipment. However, to achieve a quality leap that allows for adequate management of Fontane Bianche in line with the current visitor flow, it is essential to secure financial resources. These funds would ensure both the provision of tools and equipment for routine maintenance of trails and observation posts and the consultation of qualified personnel to guide the proper management of the area and visitor flows.

This way, Fontane Bianche will continue to be a unique and irreplaceable asset to our territory, benefiting everyone.

2022 Map of the Fontane Bianche Oasis Area

Fontane Bianche Oasis

A place full of life and colors

We have been fortunate to encounter, along our paths, Luigi Dorigo, a photographer capable of capturing the stunning flora and fauna of the Fontane Bianche with his beautiful images.

But enough talking. Let’s let the enchanting photos of Luigi and the Fotoclub Sernaglia speak for themselves.

Fontane Bianche Oasis

A place full of life and colors

We have been fortunate to encounter, along our paths, Luigi Dorigo, a photographer capable of capturing the stunning flora and fauna of the Fontane Bianche with his beautiful images.

But enough talking. Let’s let the enchanting photos of Luigi and the Fotoclub Sernaglia speak for themselves.