Description
The biotope extends at the foot of the conoids of the Rio Valscura and Rio Pissavacca; the soil is therefore mostly made up of materials carried by watercourses such as silt, sand and gravel.
The most interesting hydrogeological aspect is the presence of perennial springs fed by groundwater from the mountains above: these waters emerge on the valley floor through alluvial soils. The springs, keeping the soil continuously soaked with water, allow the formation of peat and favour the development of an interesting marsh vegetation.
The northern boundary of the biotope is formed by the Rio Vena, a watercourse that was partially rectified in the 1960s, but thanks to the reconquest of the banks by vegetation is now one of the most beautiful streams in the valley bottom.
The simultaneous existence of gravelly and peaty soils underlies the variety of plant formations in the protected area.
Of great interest are the molinieto (herbaceous vegetation characterised by the presence of a Graminaceous plant, the Moliniacoerulea) and the cariceti (herbaceous vegetation characterised by the presence of plants of the genus Carex), formations often invaded by the water reed (Phragmites australis). They are home to numerous valuable botanical species, such as the marsh gentian (Gentiana pneumonanthe) and various wild orchids including the extremely rare Liparis loeselii.
Along the Rio Vena, riparian thickets of black alder (Alnus glutinosa) and white alder (Alnus incana) grow, while in the transition zone between woodland and marsh, willow bushes (Salix, various species) form an almost continuous belt.
The biotope also includes, towards the south, a portion of non-wet woodland of lesser botanical interest.
The provincial nature reserve 'Inghiaie' is a true oasis for fauna and is home to a large number of species, some of which are quite rare.
The natural state of the Rio Vena means that it is home to a rich invertebrate fauna, which attracts various fish.
Amphibians, such as the green frog (Rana sinkl. esculenta) and the mountain frog (Rana temporaria) find suitable places to lay their eggs in the marsh pools.
Among the avifauna, aquatic species are of particular importance: for example, the mallard (Anas platyrhynchos), moorhen (Gallinula chloropus), water rail (Rallus aquaticus) and kingfisher (Alcedo atthis) breed here.
