Fociomboli is a marshy meadow basin, located between 1120 and 1150 meters above sea level, which extends for about one hectare above the mountain pasture of Puntato and at the foot of the northern slope of Mount Corchia and the eastern slope of Mount Freddone.
It is surrounded by a beech forest and is crossed by streams of meteoric water that descend from the limestone rocks of the surrounding mountains. In addition, the basin is also fed by underground springs that gush at the points of contact between the limestone and impermeable rocks.
The marsh is the remnant of a small lake of glacial origin that has been maintained thanks to the impermeable bottom, mainly formed by schist dolomite, which forms its bed in contrast with the karst rock of the surrounding areas.
In this way the waters are forced to emerge and on the northern edge a small emissary is formed which forms the Canale delle Fredde, emissary of the Tùrrite Secca which, in turn, then flows into the Serchio in Castelnuovo Garfagnana.
This peat bog is the only humid environment at high altitude in the Apuan Alps in contrast with the numerous lakes and marshes in the nearby Apennines and consequently it is of considerable environmental interest. The marsh is, in fact, rich in rare botanical species mostly neutrophilic or slightly basophilic since the calcareous waters that feed the peat bog neutralize its acidity. In addition, the peat deposits conserve fossil pollens which document which botanical species lived here in the glacial and post-glacial period.
The visit to the Padule is an easy excursion and is recommended for botany lovers. The exceptional nature of the biotope would probably require greater protection by the Apuan Alps Park.
Who does not know its existence has no information on how to reach it: perhaps it is better this way because it avoids the damage that some intentioned evil could cause it, but the suspicion remains that the real importance of the Padule is underestimated by the administrators.
The ecological changes in the area involve the risk of loss of rare species. The dangers are related to grazing, mostly horses, and to frequenting by tourists, even if respectful of the environment.
