Malga Derocon, home to a range of flora and fauna, is located in the Lessinia Regional Natural Park just 3 km north of Erbezzo, between the southeast slope of Monte Scriccio and the western edge of the Forest of Folignani. The environment is typical of the Alta Lessinia region, where land is primarily divided into units known as 'malghe' (Alpine farmsteads). The wooded area covers 133 acres, with beech, fir, sorb, maple and other native plants alternating with meadows and pastures at an altitude of 1,300 metres. The area incorporates a fenced zone of 77 acres where numerous deer and chamois have been introduced in addition to marmots, weasels, stone martens, squirrels and dormice, all of which live in semi-natural conditions and can often be spotted by visitors, especially from the observation towers.
Visitors can follow the marked paths through the area; it is not permitted to enter the woods and pastures, which are reserved for the animals. Visitors not accompanied by a guide can find all the necessary information on boards situated along the paths. Along these four accessible paths, the traces of human activity in the past are clear to see: the dairy, the ice house, the walled garden, the pigsty, and the dry stone walls forming terraced vineyards.
In addition to its picnic area, the farmstead can accommodate up to 16 people in two dorms: a unique opportunity to enjoy the tranquillity of the night, with only the sounds of the nearby wildlife for company. Don't miss the bellowing of the deer in early autumn.
HOW TO GET THERE:
Just outside the town of Erbezzo, on the road towards Fosse and S. Anna d'Alfaedo, the road that climbs towards Castelberto is on the right. After 2 km, the turn-off for Malga Derocon (1 km away) is clearly signposted on the right.
The wildlife area is open from 9am to 5pm on Saturdays and Sundays from April to October (except when the area is inaccessible due to weather conditions). On other days, only group visits are permitted (booking required). For information and bookings for group visits, call +39 339 8130928 or email info@malgaderocon.it.
Entrance fee: €3.00 for adults Free for under-14s, people with disabilities, and accompanying teachers.
No access to the area for cars, except for people with disabilities.
