On Sunday, the 3rd of August 2025, the third guided excursion organised by the Julian Prealps Natural Park Authority as part of the Interreg Italy-Slovenia E-NAT2CARE Project took place. The previous excursions were held in June and July, focusing on the alpine longhorn beetle (Rosalia alpina) and the Ural owl. At the end of the month, there will be a final excursion dedicated to Osmoderma eremita, a saproxylic insect that is a target species of the project.
The itinerary proposed by guide Saimon Ferfolja takes place in the mountains just behind the village of Resiutta and allows visitors to observe some of the most evocative landscapes of the Julian Prealps Natural Park. The trail initially climbs through a forest composed mainly of black pines, black hornbeams and manna ashes, before reaching the wide meadow around the old settlement of Borgo Cros, which was inhabited until the 1970s. From here onwards, beech trees take over, in an unspoilt and wild environment that allows you to fully appreciate the natural beauty of these places, making it easier to encounter the numerous species of wildlife that inhabit them. The day was full of encounters, but one of them was particularly exciting. During a break, the guide's expert eye spotted the typical colour of the alpine longhorn beetle moving among the branches. Thus, the hikers had the opportunity to encounter one of the star species of the day and of the Project in person.
During the excursion, the guide provided important information on the three target species of the E-NAT2CARE project and, more generally, on the fauna inhabiting the Julian Alps Biosphere Reserve. The geology of the Park was also explained, given the unique geological phenomena encountered along the route. At the end of the excursion, participants were given information sheets on the three target species produced by the park authority in recent months, which are useful for learning more about their biology.
