Laghetto Granieri is an elongated artificial lake inside the Foglino wood in Nettuno. It is a natural oasis where many species of animals and plants can be seen, and sport fishing competitions and other sporting events are held there. The Foglino wood, just outside the centre, is a large area of Mediterranean scrub that reaches as far as the border with the province of Latina.
What to see
Around the lake grow trees that can reach 20–30 metres: Turkey oaks, Hungarian oaks, a few English oaks, downy oaks and field maples; in the wet areas black alder, narrow-leaved ash and hornbeam dominate. Among the shrubs are hawthorn, almond-leaved pear, wild pear and apple, medlar and privet, and the undergrowth is rich in myrtle, dog rose, bramble, spindle, juniper, heather and mastic. Along the wetter banks grow common reed, yellow iris and several rushes.
The water holds carp, crucian carp, catfish, koi and largemouth bass, and over the years gambusia, pumpkinseed and eel have also been introduced. The area has crested newts, agile frogs, tree frogs and common toads, and among the reptiles grass snakes, green lizards, asp vipers and whip snakes. Birds, breeding or passing through, include the little egret, grey heron and purple heron, mallard, garganey, kestrel, coot, snipe and wryneck.
Visiting
Birdwatchers should bring binoculars and move quietly along the banks. Opening times, access and the fishing competition calendar should be checked beforehand.
Our editors' tip
The Foglino wood, covering 550 hectares, is a surviving fragment of the ancient forest that once stretched from Rome to Naples; a porcino mushroom grows here, Boletus aestivalis, which is listed among Nettuno's local products.
