Description

A Portuguese odyssey! A conservation journey that takes us from the high mountains of Alvão, via the wine soaked Douro valleys to the stunning sand dunes of Litoral Norte.

And further yet, plunging us into the sea on a scuba diving adventure that contributes to making this one of our finest International conservation projects yet.

Who we're working with
Alvão Natural Park and Litoral Norte Natural Park are two of several Natural Parks in the North of Portugal protected under the Portuguese Nature Conservation Institute. Each work on the conservation of very different natural and semi-natural areas directly in conjunction with supporting local sustainable development - in other words, ensuring nature and wildlife conservation can go hand-in-hand with the traditional livelihoods of those who live there.

The parks aim to maintain ecological processes, preserve genetic diversity and protect species and the ecosystems upon which they depend. This is achieved through promoting conservation of natural heritage and ecological balance, conservation of traditional cultural values, improved welfare for the resident population with regard to environmental quality, economic improvement and improved living conditions, environmental education, scientific research and eco-tourism.

There is a good long standing relationship between BTCV and and both parks - in fact Alvão's former Director and member of Environmental Education staff, Henrique Pereira, has even been on a BTCV Natural Break in Gloucestershire!

Where we're working
In the Mountains: Alvão Natural Park lies in the Alvão Mountains in the province of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, in the Vila Real district. The high area creates an extensive granite basin, source of the important Olo River, between 500-1330m. The lower zone is a schist area with sloping valleys. Between there is a quartzite barrier, its hardness creating abrupt height changes and the spectacular waterfalls of Fisgas do Ermelo.

The mountain landscape, vegetation, flora and fauna are rich and diverse. Natural vegetation is Atlantic-Submediterranean woods, mostly oak trees, but also some groves of birch and cork with chestnut, holly, hazel, wild pear, bilberry, strawberry-tree and more. Heathers, brooms and gorses are the common shrubs. There are scientifically important, rare or threatened fauna: Iberian-salamander, Pyrenean-desman, several species of bats and birds, important insects like the alcon blue (Maculinea alcon) butterflies; and flora: Drosera rotundifolia; Narcissus asturiensis; and Gentiana pneumonanthe.

By the sea: Litoral Norte Natural Park comprises a unique strip of land marooned between rivers and sea, stretching nearly 18km between the Cávado River estuary and the village of Apúlia in a line of white sand dunes. Dotted with low vegetation that helps to anchor the sand, these dunes act as a natural barrier against the sea winds that give them their shape and prevent the ocean from encroaching upon the nearby farmland.

Three quarters of the park is maritime and fluvial (next to the sea or river) and a quarter terrestrial (440ha in total) and includes 15 different habitats, home to 16 endangered and protected species (vertebrates). The area is of importance for bird migration (capped herons, terns, mallards and herring gulls), primarily as resting area, but also for hibernation. The shallow fluvial parts serve as breeding zones for fish and other animals.

The soft, harmonious colours of the dunes, which take on warm hues at dusk, make this one of the most beautiful landscapes on the Portuguese coast. The traditional windmills, blending perfectly into their natural surroundings, no longer grind corn but are now used as summer homes. The area is popular with native Portuguese and features stunning deserted beaches lapped by transparent waters, ideal for long, invigorating walks. This means the park receives a high number of visitors and careful management is required to preserve the sensitive physical structure and ecology of the sand dune systems.

What we'll be doing
In the Mountains: We'll be working on a range of sites and activities around the park: foremost will be work to improve habitat for the curious and unusual insect eating plant Drosera rotundifolia (round-leaved sundew).

In addition we'll be continuing work we've been progressing since 2006 to stabilise steep slopes prone to erosion by creating terraces and seeding, and carrying out some maintenance works on footpath trails and picnic areas. This work will improve visitor facilities and promote greater enjoyment of the park whilst limiting damage to this fantastic natural area.

By the Sea: Here we'll be working on a range of sites and activities around the park - some more invasive and damaging 'alien' plant removal, and maintenance and improvement to 'visitor management' facilities.

Invasive plants include Acacia longifolia, an Australian native that has probably run amok since being introduced to control sand dune erosion; and Carpobrotus edulis a garden escape and South African native.

Practical works will include, maintainence of footbridges, steps, picnic areas and footpath signs and some clearing of debris from sand dunes and the Cávado estuary.

Benefits of our work
Our work is helping local systems of sustainable production in conjunction with efforts of the park and local community. The invasive species removal in both areas is a critical part of the project directly helping to maintain these valuable 'semi-natural' habitats characteristic of the area and preserving traditional land use patterns.

Work on way-marking and trails is an important part of visitor management in the park ensuring that the area can be enjoyed with minimal disturbance to wildlife and the environment.

Where we'll be staying
In the Mountains: We'll be staying at a former forest guard house, now used as an Ecological School near the village of Arnal, 1000m above sea level and away from everything, except goats, cows, the odd dog or two and the occasional local. Basic but comfortable, it has bedrooms, bathrooms with showers, kitchen, dining/living room and a meeting room. It's near the top of the mountain and has a long view to the valley and to the town of Vila Real. There's a nearby waterfall perfect for that end of the day refreshing dip, and even a local bar in the next village - a 30 minute downhill walk away (but uphill on the way back!)

By the Sea: The Foz do Cávado youth hostel in a near perfect location on the banks of the River Cávado - a comfortable and modern youth hostel with walking distance of the town, the beaches and the river. The hostel has a new swimming pool but with the sea pretty close too, it can be hard making up your mind where to bathe after work. The Cávado, which flows right next to the hostel, is a well known river for canoeing and other water sports.

We'll be accommodated in 4 bed rooms. Twins may be possible at extra cost and depending on availability - enquire when booking. Breakfasts and dinners are prepared for us, we'll make our own packed lunches..

Highlights

So we can really get to know both areas, we'll have an extensive guided tour of each of the natural parks, and a real highlight (weather permitting) will be a scuba diving trip organised by the PADI certificated local Diving and Marine Ecology Centre.

During the first week we'll also take a day out to explore the Port Wine region of the Douro Valley (port caves, vineyards and a unique landscape) taking the opportunity to sample its finest and visit the historic town of Vila Real. Sampling the local wine is an important part of any trip to Northern Portugal and with the guidance of our Natural Park friends we'll take the opportunity during our second week to make some comparisons whilst exploring further the Minho region. It's all about the litoral of course and so we'll also take to the water on a specially organised boat and diving trip.

If it's big nightlife you want - the first week is not for you (although the trek to the bar of an evening can be quite an adventure!) But for the peace of nature, walking, splashing in waterfalls, watching the stars as the sun sets and curling up with a good book by the woodstove, it's perfect. On the other hand - If all the peace has rejuvenated you in the first week, the cafes and festivals of Esposende are waiting in the second

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

590 GBP

Cost Includes:

• Food
• Housing

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

• Conservation
• Environment

Age Range

18-80+

This Program is open to

Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Couples and Individuals.

Participants Travel

Independently

Typically Participants Work

in Groups

Application Process Involves

• Other

Typically The Application Process Time is

n/a

BTCV's Mission Statement

A better environment where people are valued, included and involved. Mission: To create a more sustainable future by inspiring people and improving places. Values: BTCV's values are integral to all our work. They have been developed through four decades of a 'hands-on' approach to conservation activities. During this time we have adapted to meet the changing needs of communities, we care about people, the communities in which they live and the quality of their environment.

Year Founded

1959