Our aim is to encourage as much wildlife as possible, so we have kept the area surrounding the garden in its natural state. The fireflies in May-June are truly spectacular. About half an hour after dusk thousands of brightly-lit fireflies try to attract a mate. The flies are totally harmless although several guests have been driven mad trying to photograph this light show... We get all the usual butterflies (Peacock, Red Admiral, various fritillaries) and some more unusual swallowtailed varieties as well. The ‘humming-bird moth’ has been evident in the last few years. Birdlife depends on the time of year. Italy is a ‘stopover’ point for many species migrating from Africa to northern Europe. Bullfinches, goldfinches and tits are particularly plentiful in the spring. Small game birds – species of grouse, ptarmigan and pheasant - are common, as are the buzzards that prey on them. You will definitely hear owls and nightingales at night. Hoopoes and egrets are occasionally evident. You may not see much animal life in the hotter months, but it’s there. Hare, fox, porcupine, badger, deer and ‘cinghiale’ (small wild boar) are plentiful enough to keep hunters interested in the winter season.
