A short distance from Teggiano and Padula, in the heart of a mountainous area with extensive forests in the Vallo di Diano, is Montesano sulla Marcellana, known for hosting the Cerreta – Cognole state forest. We have already talked about this forest, which is among the most important in southern Italy for the conservation of plant and animal species at risk of extinction, very briefly some time ago. Among the forests of the province of Salerno, Cerreta is particularly appreciated not only for its biodiversity, but also for its rich history connected to the nearby Certosa di San Lorenzo a Padula and the ancient Badia di Cava dei Tirreni. Located along the Maddalena mountain range, a natural border between Campania and Basilicata, the forest benefits from the proximity of the Calore river and karst waters.
Cerreta – Cognole is also the site of a deer repopulation project, once a regular inhabitant of Monte Cervati, as evidenced by the name and emblem of the deer present in the coat of arms of the nearby municipality of Sanza. The forest is home to a variety of habitats, from turkey oak forests to Mediterranean scrub and chestnut groves, which offer refuge to species in danger of extinction such as the barbastello, a very rare bat, some wolves and several species of woodpeckers.
Honey
The flower honey from the Cerreta Cognole Forest is the result of a scientific collaboration initiative between the Department of Agriculture of the Campania Region and the Institute for the Sustainable Protection of Plants IPSP-CNR. The project focuses on the study and management of Apoidea pollinators in the Cerreta-Cognole Regional State Forest in Montesano sulla Marcellana. This honey, harvested during the 2022 beekeeping season, has a dark amber color and a complex and rich organoleptic profile: intense, persistent odor and flavour, with vegetal, woody and aromatic notes that enhance the characteristic sweetness of forest honeys. The melissopalynological analysis revealed a predominance of chestnut pollen (Castanea sp.), enriched by a variety of nectariferous plant essences that contribute to its rich bouquet. Among these, species of the Rosaceae family such as apple (Malus sp.), pear (Pyrus sp.), bramble (Rubus fruticosus) and plum (Prunus sp.) which add fruity notes; from Fabaceae, such as black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia), different types of clover (Trifolium repens, Trifolium incarnatum, Trifolium pratense) and coronilla (Coronilla sp.), which give an intense sweetness; as well as aromatic herbaceous essences from the Lamiaceae family, willow (Salix sp.), maple (Acer sp.) and mullein (Verbascum sp.), known for its medicinal properties. Pollen from non-nectariferous plants such as Cistaceae, Oleaceae and oaks (Quercus sp.) are also recorded, which contribute to further defining the unique character of Cerreta Cognole Forest Flower Honey.
The cereta is also a nursery
The distribution of nursery production is free of charge if the request is presented by entities that implement public-initiative forestation interventions; projects aimed at the development, promotion and diffusion of “green” areas; beautification programs for residential areas, parks and green spaces. Among the subjects mentioned above we remember:
- Bodies delegated in forestry matters (Mountain Communities and Provincial Administrations);
- Public bodies (municipal administrations or their consortia for the purposes referred to in law n.113 of 01/29/92 and LR n.14 of 12/28/92, park authorities, hospitals, schools, etc.);
- Accommodation and care companies, moral bodies, volunteer associations
- Onlus;
- University institutes, research institutions.
The transfer of nursery material to private individuals is subject to its availability at the nurseries and takes place upon payment via PagoPA of the amount envisaged in the above-mentioned “Regional price list for the sale of plants” set annually by the Regional Council – General Directorate for Agricultural Policies , Food and Forestry.
The distribution takes place from November 1st to March 31st of each year
For further info: http://www.agricoltura.regione.campania.it/foreste/vivai_distribuzione.htm
