The project’s objectives are aimed at maintaining and, if possible, increasing the Ticino population of nightjars over the long term. Key to this are the preservation and creation of open and semi-open areas on the dry, sun-exposed slopes of hills and low mountains, as well as the promotion of agricultural activities and grazing in areas where the species is currently or historically present, as well as in other potentially suitable areas.

The work involves significant thinning of the vegetation through the cutting of trees—particularly birch—as well as the removal of broom and other shrubs. Mature and dead plants, which provide a habitat for moths and serve as perches for the nightjar to rest and hunt, are preserved. Valuable shrubs such as hawthorn and juniper are also preserved, as they provide food and shelter for numerous birds and other species. Where necessary, fences are built or restored to facilitate livestock grazing and thus ensure the long-term sustainability of agricultural activity and the associated open spaces in the grazing areas.

The project’s success is due to the excellent collaboration with many motivated farmers and numerous other partners, such as the Patriziati, Interconnection Projects, the Nature and Landscape Office, the Forestry Section, foresters, environmental consulting firms, and volunteers.