Official Name: Oasi naturale di Guardiaregia-Campochiaro

Geographic position: in Molise, on the eastern side of Matese massif, in the towns of Campochiaro and Guardiaregia, province of Campobasso

Born in 1997; Enlarged in 2000

Recognition by the Ministry of Environment in the Official List of Protected Areas: 2000

Extension: 2187 hectares

Run by: Italy through an agreement with the towns of Campochiaro and Guardiaregia.

Equipment: path with didactic panels, observatory, visitors centre, refuge.

Environment: Mountainous and Forestry, with an altitude between 600 and 1823 m. a.s.l. of Monte Mutria. Karstic phenomena as the gorge formed by river Quirino, San Nicola waterfalls and the caves of Pozzo della Neve (depth 1048 m) and Cul di Bove (913 m).

Flora and Fauna: on Monte Mutria, prairies with gentians, orchids in more than 34 species; beeches woods. Along the canyon of the river Quirino there are holm-oaks and yews, Mediterranean bush, strawberry trees. On lower altitudes, there are several tree species such as hollies, Lobelius maple, laburnums, manna ashes and cornel trees with San Giovanni lily, aquilegia, anemone and Hepatica nobilis. Among the mammals, there are wolves, wild cats, badgers and squirrels. Among the amphibians, the salamander (the oasis symbol), and others.
As for the birds, day rapacious, such as lanners, red kites, buzzards and peregrine hawks; furthermore, species of woodpeckers, water blackbirds. Among the insects, important is the presence of the day butterfly Zerinthya polixena.

Paths:the oasis is provided with several paths of different difficulties: the “San Nicola” path, good for everybody and provided with explicative panels; The “Tre Frati”, “Mutria” and “Santa Maria” for experts. From Campochiaro it is possible to walk the path from “Valle Uma” to the caves.

Visitors centre: in Guardiaregia with multimedia supports to understand the oasis natural environments.

Visits

: the oasis is open all year long on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday.

Programme 2004
1. Visit to the oasis of Guardiaregia (half day):
• Guided visit along “San Nicola” path.
• Meeting at the visitors centre for in depth studies

2. Excursion at the Oasis of Campochiaro Guardiaregia (full day)
• Morning: guided excursion along the caves path or in the beech groves at “Tre Frati”
• Afternoon: guided visit along “San Nicola” path.
• Meeting at the visitors centre in Guardiaregia or Campochiaro for in depth studies

Access to the Oasis:
Payment of a fee as a contribution to maintenance:
• € 3,00 for adults
• 0-6 yrs old: free
• families composed of 2 adults and 2 children under 16: € 9,00
• “Panda Club” associates: € 2,00
• WWF associates and disables: free
For full days excursions extra charge of € 50,00 for max 25/30 participants

Information:
In case of bad weather, the oasis environment will be illustrated at the visitors centre; alternatively it is possible to delay the excursion.
Trekking shoes recommended.
Rain coat in case of bad weather.
Binoculars and cameras recommended.

Reservations:
Phone numbers: +39 0874 785011
+39 3383673035