Monte Grighine is located between the municipalities of Ruinas, Villaurbana, Siamanna, Siapiccia and Fordongianus.
Its maximum height is 674 m a.s.l. (Punta Grighine or Cuccuru Mannu). When the skies are clear, this peak offers an extensive panorama spanning from Giare, to Montiferru and to Gennargentu, as far as the Golfo di Oristano.
It mainly has a metamorphic rock geology, mostly schist.
The mountain is home to a felling area which is an experimental nature site. Here, forestry and arboriculture tests are carried out on wood. The experimental plant was created and is run by the Universities of Sassari and Cagliari, with a view to examining the bush or tree bearing of cork oak. The experimental area extends for around 700 hectares.
The vegetation varies depending on height and the exposure of the slopes. In the past, the forestry-pastoral activities, reforestation and, unfortunately, the numerous and periodical fires have dramatically affected the growth of the flora.
Around the felling area, are native forests of holm oak and downy oak. The Mediterranean shrub is represented with all its main species, such as mastic tree, myrtle, phillyrea, heather and strawberry tree. In the areas affected by fire, there is a strong presence of rockrose and king’s spear.
In addition, Monte Grighine, is of considerable naturalistic importance due to the presence of different species of migratory birds, protected by the DIR CE 409/79 and the Berne Convention.
