Work in progress since a few weeks in the the Roccolo area of Monza Park. Then why are we involved? Well, in co-operation with Patagonia Europe, a US-based company, a dream is coming true. 

The Comitato per il Parco had been looking for grants by private companies in favour of the green wealth of the Park.

A positive answer came from Patagonia Europe, having head office in California and offices spread all over the world. Every year the Company grants one percent of its earnings – one percent for the planet - to non-profit associations that have reportedly fighted in favour of the environment. Grants can be devoted solely to environmental rescue projects, thus excluding other purposes.

To learn more

PROPOSAL FOR THE IMPROVEMENT OF THE AREA CALLED "ROCCOLO"
(BIRD-SNARE) LOCATED IN MONZA PARK

 

General Overview

 

Roccolo: lo stato di fatto

The “Roccolo” area is a significant example of the complexity  of Monza Park. It  expresses the capability of developing space, vegetation, naturalistic observation and  knowledge of bird life.

The main unit a circle of trees in a double row. The more prevalent type is the horn-beam, as it turns out to be very ductile. The first circle of trees contains a second circle of trees and shrubs that have been selected due to their capability of attracting birds thanks to their berries.

The initial purpose of the Roccolo was to capture birds with nets. However it was also an important venue for enjoyable get-togethers. For  management on a regular basis the Roccolo requires a profound knowledge of botany and gardening for the planting of suitable species, for tree and shrub pruning, for adapting trees to the needs of birds that are to be attracted.

Apparently the Roccolo was overseen and utilised  after 1922, year in which the race track was built.

There are a number of good reasons that justify the continued presence and preservation of the Roccolo within the Monza Park.

 

Historic interest

Although it was not part of the nineteenth-century layout,  Brenna’s map of 1845 located it in a different area. It has the value of a memorial and is a witness to the past use of the  Monza Park which includes hunting.

 

Naturalistic  interest

The Roccolo is a green space projected, created and preserved with clear rules and on scientific bases. It is of great scenic value akin to a row of tress or a leafy boulevard; it is a green installation that in particular defines the scenery in the Italian Regions of Lombardia and Veneto. The original layout deserves preservation and maintenance with the added improvement of making the Roccolo compatible with  the overall scheme and  present use of the Park.

 

Scientific, educational and leisure interests

The present use of the Roccolo is compatible with the cultural and environmental goal of the park since the possible capture of birds would be strictly for educational purposes within the scope of  naturalistic studies.

This compatibility depends on the commitment to maintain and preserve the original design in order to prevent deterioration and the improper use it has been subject to over the past decades. As a result of “improper use” over fifty trees were lost in the past six years alone.

Failure to tend for and re-plant this area might lead to the rapid disappearance of the whole arboreal layout.