A protected natural area of about 600 hectares, mainly covered with woods at an altitude between 400 and 900 meters spreads out over the slopes of the high hills above the village of S. Brigida (Pontassieve).

Vegetation
The area boasts a peculiar vegetal population thanks to its geographic characteristics: the land is high above sea-level but it faces southwards and, therefore, can host both Mediterranean and continental species. So, within just a few kilometres, typical species found in temperate climates (holm-oak, durmast) alternate with chestnut and beech trees.

The Cistus laurifolius
Within the protected natural area of S. Brigida you can find the only Italian example of cistus laurifolius, a typically Mediterranean bush that blooms in May and produces white flowers, locally called "Flowers of the Madonna", because of the proximity of the Sanctuary of the “Madonna del Sasso”, one of the accesses to this natural area.
The presence of this type of bush dates back to the pre-glacial era and this species is considered at risk of extinction.
 

Fauna
Wild boars and deer are the two most common species, but fallow deer, badgers, weasels, beech-martens, hares, squirrels and foxes are also present. It is also possible to find freshwater shrimps, frogs, two different species of newts and the Aesculapius' snake.
Among the birds, it is worth mentioning: tawny owls, redwings, redstarts, woodpeckers and nuthatchs.
 

History
Besides its naturalistic importance, the area bears a lot of interest because of the several still evident signs of its past history.
Among the woods it is possible to identify smaller areas of chestnut trees, now almost completely abandoned, extensive areas of reforestation occurred at different times: from the Douglas firs planted in the 19th century, to the pine trees planted in the 1960s. Here and there it is still possible to spot round clearings where once wood was slowly burnt to produce charcoal; old houses of peasants with water-operated tools to produce butter. Most of what you see today is the result of a radical transformation occurred at the end of the 18th century, when the whole area became unavailable as common land and was split among few land owners who used it to raise cattle and produce firewood.
Other important historical elements are related to the nearby Sanctuary, whereas along the eastern ridge is the tower of Monterotondo, a representative ruin of the feudal rule.

The itineraries

• The Western itinerary

• The Central itinerary

• The Eastern itinerary
  

• Take a look at the map of the area (low resolution)