Ecosystem Restoration Communities

Agrihouse – a farm for the future, Italy
Located on previously overgrazed, drought-stricken land, this vibrant ecosystem situated near Rome is being restored with olive groves, hazelnut orchards, and crop rotations, with a goal of inspiring regenerative farming and sustainable agriculture.

Location

Bracciano, Lazio, Italy

Main Biome

Mediterranean Forests, Woodlands & Scrub

Ha. Being Restored

40

Overview & Impact

Agrihouse – a farm for the future is located in the heart of Italy, just a few kilometers from Rome, covering 40 hectares of land. This vibrant ecosystem hosts a variety of animals, including 15 adult cattle grazing freely, 3 donkeys, 30 chickens, 5 rabbits, and 3 dogs, along with an undefined number of cats and rich wildlife such as wild boars, wolves, and raptors. The farm is surrounded by forests on three sides and neighboring agricultural businesses on the remaining side, creating a hub of biodiversity.

The land, characterized by clay-like soil, has been overgrazed and has seen no wheat cultivation for over 15 years, and has an almost abandoned 0.5 hectare vineyard. Recently, a 3 hectare olive grove and a 1 hectare hazelnut orchard were planted, but the ongoing drought for the past three years has hindered their growth. Agrihouse aims to restore water springs, reinstate pasture fencing, and reintroduce crop rotations that include cereals and legumes.

Their goal is to become a model for economic and environmental development, inspiring surrounding farms to adopt regenerative practices. Agrihouse envisions creating a new generation of responsible farmers who will safeguard their territory, fostering a dignified life through sustainable agriculture.

 

Impact story

In the days of Restoration Community Leader Barbara’s grandparents, farmers worked like a close-knit family, supporting each other through every harvest. Barbara remembers as a child how everyone would come together to share the only harvester, gather grapes for winemaking, or collect olives, always enjoying meals together afterward. These moments transformed hard work into joyful celebrations filled with laughter and stories. Everyone had a role, including the smallest and most fragile members, fostering a spirit of inclusion. The goal at Agrihouse is to recreate that sense of community and joy through collaboration, emphasizing the value of togetherness over mere profit, allowing us all to thrive in happiness.

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Achievements & Partners

To date, Agrihouse – a farm for the future has planted 700 new olive trees and 300 hazelnut trees to enhance local biodiversity and support sustainable agriculture. Additionally, 54 oak trees have been introduced to improve water retention and reduce soil erosion but summer drought and animals are damaging the trees. The goal is to achieve a harmonious coexistence between livestock and agroforestry. However, they recognize that much work remains to be done in order to combat erosion effectively and create a sustainable environment that benefits both livestock and agricultural practices.

 

Partners

Association of the Biodistrict of Bracciano and Martignano lakes

Restoration Activities on Site

Compost making
Tree planting
Food growing
Water retention
Erosion control
Agroforestry
Community building
Fire prevention
Regenerative entrepreneurialism
Natural building

Volunteer Facilities on Site

Visualise this ERC's Impact

Many Ecosystem Restoration Communities are using platforms like Restor and iNaturalist to show how the work they’re doing on the ground is having a positive impact on the land and local biodiversity. Click the logo to view their impact!

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