Holay Pond Reserve

Introduction

The Holay Pond Nature Reserve, located in the municipality of Pont-Saint-Martin at the entrance to the Gressoney Valley, is a small but precious corner of Alpine biodiversity. Established in 1993, this protected area covers an area of 1.45 hectares and is part of the Natura 2000 European ecological network as a Special Area of Conservation (SAC). Its importance lies not only in its scenic beauty, but also in the wealth of rare species unique to the Aosta Valley.

Description

The creation of the nature reserve responds to the need to protect a fragile and changing ecosystem. The Holay basin, formed during the Ice Age and subsequently filled by silty and peaty deposits, hosts a small body of water in an advanced state of eutrophication. Conservation measures have been established to ensure the preservation of its flora and fauna, with particular attention to endemic species and the unique conditions of this habitat.
The area is characterised by its singular geography: a depression between mounded rocks, smoothed by the ancient passage of glaciers, surrounded by chestnut forests and irrigated meadows. The geological substratum, predominantly composed of mica schist, contributes to the environmental diversity. The vegetation is dominated by plants typical of wetlands, such as the marsh reed (Phragmites australis), the greater lynx (*Typha latifolia*) and several species of rushes (*Juncus tenageja*, *Juncus conglomeratus*). In addition, the pond is the only place in the Valle d'Aosta where the Salcerella grass-portula (*Lythrum portula*) and the reed-bearing forget-me-not (*Myosotis laxa*) can be found. Plants of special interest also include the Mountain Tulip (*Tulipa sylvestris subsp. australis*) and the Marsh Gladiolus (*Gladiolus palustris*), which confer considerable aesthetic and conservation value.
The fauna of the reserve includes a variety of reptiles, such as the Common Lizard (*Lacerta viridis*), the Wall Lizard (*Podarcis muralis*) and the Collared Snake (*Natrix natrix*). Amphibians are represented by unique species such as the Spotted Newt (*Lissotriton vulgaris*) and the Great Crested Newt (*Triturus carnifex*), both endemic to Italy, as well as the Green Frog (*Pelophylax esculentus*) and the Spotted Salamander (*Salamandra salamandra*).
The reserve is a natural laboratory of extraordinary delicacy, sensitive to climatic and hydrological variations. Its small size makes clear the importance of any protective measures, ensuring the survival of species that are in danger of disappearing elsewhere. Holay Pond is a perfect place for those who wish to immerse themselves in the most authentic nature, discover the peculiarities of a unique alpine ecosystem and understand the value of environmental conservation.