This excursion explores the marvellous landscape of South Tyrol in summer in the Vinschgau Valley. After a long journey to Malles/Mals in the north-west of Italy, we arrived at our accommodation, a guesthouse in the village, where we were treated to a week of excellent hospitality. Rainer Buchwald is familiar with the region and gave us a brief introduction to the local landscape and vegetation. On the first day, during a hike up a nearby mountain, we learnt about the historic irrigation system, for which meltwater from the peaks is cleverly channelled down into the valley to irrigate the meadows of the Vinschgau Valley. We encountered this system of ditches, called " Waale", again and again over the next few days during our vegetation studies in the amazingly species-rich meadows of the valley. We also discovered the typical meadow birds that inhabit this cultivated landscape.
We crossed the nearby border to Switzerland twice. There we also reached higher altitudes. Firstly, we hiked through the alpine meadows in the Münstertal biosphere reserve and investigated the successful renaturalisation of a once wild mountain stream. Secondly, we left the tree line behind us in the Swiss National Park and got to see real rarities such as golden eagles, ibex, marmots and edelweiss at lofty heights.
The excursion to Val Venosta/Vinschgau will leave everyone full of memories of the educational experiences and raving about the beautiful landscape.