The tree formations of Lake Montepulciano Nature Reserve occupy a surface area of about 22 hectares. Most of them originate from residual portions of old artificial plantations of poplar trees which are no longer being cultivated. There are also wild clusters of willow and poplar trees and a more extensive and structured forest near the Visitors’ Centre. Considering the rarity of these woods, especially in the interior of Tuscany, even fragments like these are highly significant, even more so when they are set within intricate mosaic-like contexts.
Numerous insects seek shelter here, including the very rare and threatened Carabus clathratus antonellii beetle. Some species of amphibians, like the Agile Frog, are also linked to hygrophilous forests, as are some tree bats.
The dead trees and perishable plants, found both standing and on the ground, represent the most important factor in enhancing biodiversity in the forest.
Measures to improve the woodland formations are aimed at a gradual naturalisation of artificial plantations of trees.