The two hundred hectare area of Valle Averto are managed by the WWF that has breathed life into a nature sanctuary where an ideal ecological system has been recreated for the repose and nesting of various species of migratory birds. Equipped with a 'museum of the area' with a restored boat shed and workshop, reforested over the last few years with the original flora and the replanting of white and black poplars, willows, sycamores, field maples, common alders, common oak, the sanctuary shelters many varieties of animal which can be seen by following the camouflaged paths or from the reed lookout huts. Among the mammals is the water buffalo (introduced some years ago), the nutria, badger, fox, martin, weasel, and the pole-cat. Among the wintering birds are the mallards and the water-crow; the resident birds are the grey heron, great white heron, kingfisher, marsh harrier; and the mute swan. In summer it is possible to observe the purple heron nesting, the dwarf heron, the stilt-bird, common redshank, spotted redshank, greenshank, spoonbill, and the sandpiper.