The Val di Vara, covering an area of 575 kmĀ² and with 30,275 inhabitants, is the largest territory in the province of La Spezia and at the same time the least populated. An area characterised by a naturalistic ensemble where the Mediterranean scrub land alternates with woods, meadows and pastures offers landscape views of unquestionable beauty. Known as the Organic Valley, due to the widespread use of organic farming, the Val di Vara is an extremely interesting area thanks to the presence of several medicinal plants, 143 species, equal to 28% of those used in human medicine.

Flora

The Val di Vara is the land of biodiversity: while black poplar and common alder prevail on the banks of the Vara River, in the undergrowth we find elder, dogwood and common hawthorn along with black locust and berries.

The hills are interspersed with vineyards and olive groves and the forests are dominated by beech (Fagus sylvatica) and chestnut (Castanea sativa) as well as oak and downy oak. Extensive coniferous forests also abound in which maritime pine (Pinus pinaster) forests, often planted by man, stand out. Grasses grow in the pastures, concentrated between the municipalities of Maissana, Varese Ligure, Sesta Godano and Zignago, and represent important species for hay production.

The Monte Gottero area, which covers a thousand hectares on the slopes of the highest mountain in the province of La Spezia, is known to be one of the most interesting Ligurian valleys for mushroom hunters. Several varieties of boletus (porcini), ovules and chanterelles grow here, the harvesting of which is managed by the Alto Vara Consortium.




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Fauna

The Val di Vara is also characterised by biodiversity in animal species. In the river Vara we find fish belonging to native species such as stickleback, eel and brown trout. The ponds and riverbeds are home to a variety of amphibians and reptiles, including some rarities such as the yellow ulolone and the wall lizard, which are quite rare in Liguria.

The forests are inhabited by wild boar, wolves, roe deer, foxes, hares, beech martens, weasels, porcupines and badgers, as well as insectivorous mammals such as hedgehogs and moles, and rodents such as squirrels, dormice and dormice.

In summer, the area is an important migratory route for water-bound birds. In the reed beds and on riverbanks, river nightingales, egrets and a large population of grey herons can be found. At night, the skies and forests of the Val di Vara are animated by numerous species of nocturnal birds of prey such as the tawny owl, little owl, scops owl and barn owl.

Minerals

Although the Val di Vara is rich in minerals, it does not possess enough of them to be economically profitable.

In Lagorara, in the municipality of Maissana, a quarry was active between 3500 and 2000 B.C.; using tools called ‘percussors’, large blocks of jasper were detached from the walls.

In Val di Vara, there are essentially deposits of manganese, copper, heel and chromite. At Cerchiara, in the locality of Faggiona in the lower Val di Vara between Pignone and Borghetto Vara, there is the only deposit around which an important manganese mining activity developed for about 160 years, between 1790 and 1947, when the mine was closed.

At Agnola, near Carro, a few kilometres from the Valico della Mola that separates the Val Petronio from the Val di Vara, brucite was found in such quantities that mining was possible from 1948 to 1960.

BOSCHI SONORI

Carro, where the forests stretch as far as the eye can see, nature witnesses and becomes protagonist through the BOSCHI SONORI portal.

 

Dive into Carro’s rich heritage with our interactive map, showcasing the area’s stunning floral and faunal diversity alongside its intangible cultural wealth.

 

Experience the captivating history and beauty of Carro through the carefully curated tourist and cultural routes. Learn about the prestigious Environmental Art Award and the stories that make this municipality unique.