The nests

They belong to our friends the birds, who live and nest on the hills, helping us control the number of insects that damage the vines. This is why, since 1995, we have installed dozens of artificial nests in various shapes and materials suitable for housing birds.
Man’s actions have often stunted biodiversity and eliminated spaces (mostly hedgerows and the cavities in old trees) where many species of birds used to nest and find shelter. Our vineyards, on the other hand, with the artificial nests introduced perfectly into the environment, have become a good habitat for numerous species. We have also favoured the presence of nocturnal birds of prey, to contrast the presence of small rodents, who tend to be active mostly during the night.
At Cascina Castlèt we host scientific research activities to monitor and assess the bird population and the success of nesting. These activities have been carried out by two ornithologists from Asti: Enrico Caprio and Mario Cozzo. With the aid of expert Mimmo Ferro, from Sanfré in the province of Cuneo, campaigns have been carried out to ring certain bird species for scientific purposes (starlings, sparrows, finches and redstarts). The results have been sent to the national institute for wild animals of Bologna, which also studies migratory routes.
We are repaid for all our work by the birdsong, the beating of wings overhead and the priceless excitement of seeing the new birds born at Cascina Castlèt every season take flight towards a life of freedom.