The preservation of rare domestic breeds
and the preservation of the rural flora and fauna is of unparalleled
importance to us here at
Rodié. Many of our guests enjoy the remarkable number of rare wild
plants, butterflies, insects and birds. The characteristic of the farm
and nature
reserve is of a Mediterranean environment, but the diversity of the valley,
going as it does from streams and wetlands to the dry limestone plateau
allows for a greater richness that of a more southerly property. To ensure
the compatibility between nature and farming activities, there is no
use of herbicides or insecticides, no deep ploughing, and the rare breeds
that
we raise are particularly compatible with the dry grasslands and dense
undergrowth that is typical of the region. 
A large number of flowers,
insects , and birds and some mammals - which are sadly, in danger in
Europe - are
to be found living unmolested, within a few metres of the château.
The Saint Martin's buzzard is undisturbed by hay making as our natural
hay fields are not cut until long after nesting. Both black and red kites
will
then be seen hunting in the freshly cut fields.The strange sound of the
night jar is common to us, and the little owl often passes over the heads
of diners in the courtyard. Beautiful, shy, genettes leave their paw
prints in the ash after a wood fire, and golden orioles make the most
amazing
racket in the fig trees in front of the house. Botanists will be interested
in finding - according to the time of year - rare orchids and other endangered
plants among the 220 species present. Tree frogs make their strange peeping
sound all night long and have convinced one or two guests their car alarms
are working.
Special interest groups are very welcome and we can organise a visit by expert naturalists - however, talk to the owners first for the 'right' times for the orchids and migrating birds.
The end result of our organic farming is to produce healthy meat in a
decent way. Animals are not unnaturally fattened and the ewes live their
lives out at Rodié. When a ewe is too old to produce lambs she simply retires
and follows the flock. We believe that agriculture is NOT part of the food
industry but that it is a trade between our needs and those of what we
exploit, be it the land or the animals that live on it - "Live lightly
on this earth".
Apart from raising sheep we also have a variety of farmyard
animals: chickens and 
turkeys wander loose,geese and ducks stay near
the stream and ponds,
there are rabbits, goats, and a donkey. Whilst endeavouring to provide
a good quality , healthy variety of meat and eggs for the table d’hôtes
, we participate in the conservation of the old local races and work in
close conjunction with the Conservatoire des Races d'Aquitaine, of which
we are members.
