Regional Park of Mount Netto

Two-thirds of Monte Netto Park is covered by Mount Netto, a hilly area that reaches a maximum height of about 130 metres above sea level.

The park is surrounded by a dynamically articulated band of territory that enhances the area's potential, protects it from the elements and binds it to the surrounding countryside, the valley of the river Mella and historical towns.

From a natural and ecological standpoint, the most interesting local element is the forest of Capriano del Colle. Furthermore, ponds can be found in the area surrounding the caves, where various plants of botanical interest grow. The park is also characterised by an agricultural environment consisting of rows placed along the divisions of plots and roads, with mulberry trees, once common in these parts, but now very rare.

From an environmental standpoint, the Forest of Capriano, also called Bosco delle Colombaie (Forest of the Dovecots) is the most interesting local element; its importance is also recognised at a national level , considering the size of individual trees found there that form a strip of forest vegetation that dominated the Pianura Padana (Po Valley). The remaining vegetation is concentrated mainly in the valleys of small streams and the other formations are found on the edge of the hills in the upper reaches (forest of Castagnari).

Be sure to note the massive oak trees scattered about, particularly on the grounds of the Gilii farmhouse and near the quarries to the south on the grounds of the Torrazza farmhouse. Two monumental English oaks can be spotted at the edge of the road that goes from Poncarale to Capriano. 

The flatland areas, transformed by farming practices, have a poor presence of wild vegetation, which grows mainly in uncultivated fields and wetlands.

According to the most recent official surveys, Mount Netto plays a crucial role in the area's birdlife.