(ANSA) - VERCELLI - The Lame del Sesia Park, created in 1978 and spanning 830 hectares, is an important wetland with winding waterways, an ideal habitat for many species of aquatic birds. The park, which is headquartered and has its visitors centre at Via XX Settembre in Albano (Vercelli), is crisscrossed throughout its 7.5 kilometre length by the River Sesia and its associated water networks, which have a massive range thanks to the spring rains, the snowmelt and autumnal rains. In the mountain section of the park, the river runs fiercely down the steep slopes, eroding the surrounding rocks with the force of the water. Heading down into the valley, the slope becomes more gentle, and the water drops in speed, resulting in deposits of gravel, sand and shingle, and where the water starts overflowing, new waterways and wetlands develop. As the waterways shift, channels start drying up and become colonised with typical marshland vegetation. The flood deposits are mainly to be found on former river sites, now land slightly raised above the current waterways. These areas are colonised by vegetation and later bushes and trees. The same process affects the swamp area, which gradually fills up with earth, first becoming wetlands and later woods. The border of this wetland marks one of the final remains of the extensive moorland that was once widespread and which is today in need of protection. There are various ways to explore this park, on foot, by bike or even by horse. The route takes around two hours, setting out from Greggio. This is a very delicate area of nature and it is therefore critical that you follow the signposting meticulously, in order to protect the area. For more information email: infoparc@lamedelsesia.vc.it. (ANSA).