The artwork consists of a small wetland with some islets in the middle. It was designed as an ecological “stepping stone” for aquatic birds during their flight to and from the larger wetlands of the plain (the combined sites of the Stagni di Focognano protected area). The whole work takes its name from this function.

The place where the work has been created is an area used as a flood-control basin, built several years earlier.

Prior to the intervention, the entire location already served as a peri-urban park, although it was of no ecological or aesthetic interest. Choosing to intervene on sites like this represents a new type of conservation initiative for the plain. In fact, due to widespread urbanisation, such sites would otherwise no longer be able to host many typical species. The new strategy involves identifying all the open public spaces on the plain that are available and suited to the purpose, and where possible it results in the creation of sites with a new ecological and landscape functionality and therefore a new “key role” within the wider territorial system.

Category

Work-Site

Author

Carlo Scoccianti

Area of intervention

San Donnino, Campi Bisenzio (Florence).
The area is located within the Site of Community Importance (SCI), Special Area of Conservation (SAC) and Special Protection Area (SPA) of the Stagni della Piana Fiorentina e Pratese (Natura 2000 code IT5140011).

Status before intervention

Flat countryside area encircled with embankments. Used as a controlled overflow basin for water from the adjacent channel. 

Type of intervention

New wetland constructed with mechanical equipment over a pre-existing area used as a flood-control basin. The artwork was then completed by planting aquatic and riparian species thanks to groups of volunteers (social art intervention).

Work status

Completed (March 2012).

Authorities/agencies involved

- Consorzio di Bonifica Area Fiorentina

- Committee for the WWF Oases of the Florence area

- Municipality of Campi Bisenzio

Main bioindicators used to monitor the ecological functionality of the work-site

- Waders: stopover during migration, refuge and feeding.

- Rails: stopover during migration, refuge, feeding and nesting.