Updates from Villa Roberti Forest
March 2026 – Updates from Villa Roberti Forest
In Brugine (Padua), in the heart of the Po Valley, the Villa Roberti project is entering a new phase. The combination of historic preservation and active forest management is transforming a traditional park into a resilient, multifunctional ecosystem.
Post-Winter Monitoring
Early March is a crucial time for assessing how plants have responded to dormancy. During our latest field survey, we observed an excellent survival rate among the plants planted in previous seasons. The young plants are already producing their first buds. In particular, the hedge—designed as green infrastructure to replace artificial fences—is already beginning to serve as an ecological corridor, enhancing connectivity for local wildlife.
The project goes beyond mere planting and focuses on the resilience of the forest ecosystem. In fact, we have taken steps to replace trees felled by extreme wind events. In place of the removed plants, we have introduced clusters of species selected for their ability to adapt to future climates. The dead wood from the fallen trees, known as necromass, is left in the forest to support insects and fungi, thereby enriching soil biodiversity.
A Food Forest for the Community
The heart of this initiative remains the creation of the Food Forest. On the final day of planting, many residents came together to plant new trees: an afternoon spent in good company to make this project even more resilient. The Villa Roberti Forest doesn’t stop here; we’ll return in the fall to plant more trees, and in the meantime, we’ll constantly monitor the growth of the newly planted ones.
Watch the video update
May 2025 – Updates from Villa Roberti Forest
Just a short walk from the majestic Villa Roberti, one of the most fascinating historic complexes in the Padua area, a one-of-a-kind project is taking shape: the Villa Roberti Woods. The woods stretch south of the villa and are home to a rich and diverse array of vegetation.
A restoration project blending art and nature
Over the years, unfortunately, the park has been damaged by strong winds and the spread of invasive species that were choking its beauty. That is why we have taken steps to improve and care for the woodland, removing unstable trees and securing the trails used daily by schools and families. During the spring work, we began introducing new plants such as maples, ash trees, linden trees, and beeches, chosen specifically for their ability to coexist with existing species and strengthen the entire ecosystem.
The creation of a sensory food forest
The real innovation at the heart of this habitat is the creation of a food forest. It is a special space designed to attract birds, small mammals, and pollinating insects thanks to the presence of nectar-producing plants and fruit trees. It will not only be a refuge for wildlife but also an accessible, sensory area created to allow all citizens to experience firsthand the importance of biodiversity.
Come plant with us
The Villa Roberti project continues with upcoming field events. If you’d like to support the initiative, you can adopt a tree and join us at future planting events to plant it together and follow the area’s progress up close.
Watch the update video
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