 The
Island...
This might sound
strange, but I fell in love with Corsica long before I ever stepped
foot on its shores: This
beautiful Mediterranean island is truly a natural wonder.
Perhaps it was the large unspoiled
areas, I had read about, which first caught my interest? Mountains, forests, lakes, rivers,
gorges and, of course, the renowned, heavily scented macquis.
Perhaps it was the
dramatic coastline with its superb beaches interspersed with secluded
rocky coves? Or the vast array of sporting activities available; from
hang-gliding above snow-covered mountain tops, to diving the depths of
the azure blue sea.
 The list of sporting
activities is extensive
and travelling around Corsica will enable me to combine two of my favourite
pastimes; mountain biking and fly fishing, and surely there is no better
place to indulge!
In 1972 the Parc Naturel Regional de
Corse (PNRC) was created and protects over two-thirds of the island. The
protection of the flora and fauna is not only confined to the uninhabited
parts of the island, but also some of the populated areas. In addition to
the protection of the land, there is the incredible Reserve Naturelle de
Scandola, which protects 1,000 hectares of sea off the west coast and also
the Reserve de Biosphere de la Vallee du Fangu, protecting a further
23,400 hectares to the north.
www.parc-naturel-corse.fr
Corsicans are very protective of their Island's ecology and
very active in ensuring its continued well-being. The
disappearance of flora and fauna; pollution; erosion and
over-development are all fiercely fought. The weather
Corsica experiences is, one of many factors, which shapes
and attracts people to this Island. Ironically, it is the
weather which also causes immense problems for the
Islanders. No, that is not true. It is not the weather
causing the fires, only creating the conditions; long hot summers,
resulting in bone-dry scrubland - the maquis - that ignites
in an instant. Each year there are hundreds of fires which
destroy thousands of hectares. Sadly over 85% are started
deliberately.
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