Special Nature Reserve of Orrido di Foresto

The Reserve of Orrido di Foresto, established to protect the kermes juniper, extends over 200 hectares in the territory of the municipalities of Bussoleno and Susa. It includes the stunning gorge carved by the Rio Rocciamelone and the adjacent limestone bastions alternating with xeric grasslands.

The main interest is botanical, with numerous species coming from very different floras, from steppe to Mediterranean. A standout element is the kermes juniper, easily observable and recognizable, but many other species are equally significant: Crupina vulgaris, Leuzea conifera, Ephedra helvetica, Fumana ericoides.

Another reason for interest is the presence of numerous species of orchids: around twenty are counted in the Reserve, among them the Cephalanthera rubra and the Limodorum abortivum.

The vegetation we see today is the result of climatic oscillations in the post-glacial phase which, in an alternation of cool and warm, dry and humid, created the conditions for the arrival of plants from different geographical areas. We can admire the presence of birch, Scots pine, oaks, holm oak hazel, and oxycedar juniper.

Contacts

Infos

Learn more on the website www.parchialpicozie.it

Related place

list map

Municipality of Bussoleno

Orsiera Rocciavrè Natural Park - Cozie Alps Parks

Varesio Mill

ZSC Xerothermic Oasis Chianocco and Foresto