A Little Owl occupies one of our nest boxes

Supporting biodiversity sometimes begins with a simple wooden box placed in the right location. During the summer of 2026, we were delighted to observe a Little Owl (Athene noctua) occupying one of the nest boxes installed on a mature pine tree at the Big Farm. After quietly watching the nest box, the owl appeared at … Read more

Sardinian Warbler (Curruca melanocephala)

Species of the Month – August 2026 Acoustic monitoring at Mavronero provides continuous insight into local bird activity. Each month, we analyse detection data to better understand species presence, behavioural intensity and ecological patterns. During the period 18/08/2026 – 25/08/2026, the most actively detected species (excluding those previously featured in this series) was: Sardinian Warbler … Read more

A natural predator at work: a wildlife encounter at Mavronero Farm

Some of the most valuable observations in regenerative farming happen when nature carries on undisturbed. During a recent walk through Mavronero Farm, we came across a fascinating wildlife interaction: a snake feeding on a Cyprus agama (Laudakia cypriaca), locally known as “kourkouda.” Although scenes like this may appear dramatic, they are a natural part of … Read more

Feeding the hens with sweet melon

After harvesting the first sweet melons (Cucumis melo) of the season, the story does not end in the kitchen. As we explained in our previous article about harvesting the first sweet melons, harvesting is only one stage in the natural cycle of regenerative farming. At Mavronero Farm, part of the harvest is also shared with … Read more

Eurasian Nightjar (Caprimulgus europaeus)

Species of the Month – July 2026 Acoustic monitoring at Mavronero provides continuous insight into local bird activity. Each month, we analyse detection data to better understand species presence, behavioural intensity and ecological patterns. During the period 20/07/2026 – 27/07/2026, the most actively detected species among those not previously featured in our monitoring series was: … Read more

Fermented feed for chickens: a traditional practice supporting healthy flocks

Healthy livestock begins with good nutrition. At Mavronero Farm we are continually exploring natural, regenerative ways to improve the wellbeing of our animals. One of these practices is preparing fermented feed enriched with Mediterranean herbs such as oregano. Although simple, this traditional technique offers several potential benefits for poultry while making use of natural ingredients … Read more

Middle East Tree Frog (Hyla savignyi): a tiny amphibian of Mediterranean landscapes

A small frog with a big ecological role During a recent biodiversity observation at Mavronero Farm, we spotted one of Cyprus’ most charming amphibians—the Middle East tree frog (Hyla savignyi). Bright green, no larger than a few centimetres, and perfectly camouflaged among grasses and shrubs, this tiny frog is easy to overlook despite being one … Read more

Why repeated wildlife observations matter

A second encounter with the common chameleon at Mavronero Earlier this year, we shared the story of a common chameleon (Chamaeleo chamaeleon) spotted among the olive trees at Mavronero. Recently, we were delighted to encounter another individual, quietly moving through the same landscape. Finding the same species again may seem like a small event, but … Read more

Why protecting fruit is part of sustainable farming

Sustainable farming is often associated with renewable energy, soil regeneration, or reducing chemical inputs. Yet many of its principles are found in small, everyday decisions made throughout the growing season. One of those moments recently took place among the fig trees at Mavronero. As the figs began to ripen, it quickly became clear that they … Read more

Swallows at Mavronero Farmhouse

Swallows regularly nest around the Mavronero farmhouse during the spring and early summer breeding season. These migratory birds are closely associated with open agricultural landscapes, traditional rural buildings, and environments where insect populations remain active throughout warmer seasonal periods. At Mavronero, two swallow nests developed around the farmhouse structure during the nesting season. Adult birds … Read more