Senhora da Alegria Bio-Reserve

The Senhora da Alegria Bio-Reserve was the first space acquired by the association, through a fundraising campaign that had the support of 164 citizens, in May 2019.

It is located on a steep north-facing slope, between the villages of Almalaguês and Rio de Galinhas, fifteen kilometres from the city of Coimbra. The trail that runs through it from top to bottom follows the historic pilgrimage route to the Chapel of Nossa Senhora da Alegria.

Flora

On its sandy soils, a lush vegetation cover with Atlantic-Mediterranean characteristics develops. In the more humid and shaded areas, a broadleaf woodland establishes itself, dominated by English oak and chestnut, while on the more exposed and dry upper reaches, Mediterranean woodland prevails, abundant in species such as cork oak and strawberry tree.

At the foot of the slope, the permanent waters of the Polomos stream flow, bordered along its banks by hazel and willow trees.

Wildlife

This slope harbours a very rich range of biodiversity, with particular emphasis on forest birds, mesocarnivores and ungulates, as well as reptiles and amphibians.

High in the canopy, you may be lucky enough to spot iconic species such as the northern goshawk, the European robin, the lesser spotted woodpecker or the short-toed treecreeper, as well as the energetic red squirrel.

Deep in the dense understorey, all attention is needed to spot the roe deer, the common genet, the Eurasian badger or the stone marten — elusive species most active at dawn and dusk.

In the more humid corners and along the watercourses, it is worth looking for the Iberian frog, the Lusitanian salamander, the midwife toad and the Iberian emerald lizard — charismatic species of these habitats.

Conservation Management

Faced with this richness of life, Milvoz carries out environmental management of this space to ensure the conservation and maturation of the existing native forest, as well as the conservation of all biodiversity dependent on it.

We continuously conduct fauna and flora monitoring and improvement of the various existing habitats, organising community activities and developing environmental education.

Invasive plant species control, ecological restoration of degraded areas and riparian gallery restoration, construction of nest boxes and water points, construction and maintenance of visitor trails, and biodiversity observation sessions are some of the activities organised by Milvoz at the Senhora da Alegria Bio-Reserve.

How to Visit

Located between the villages of Almalaguês and Rio de Galinhas (Coimbra), the Bio-Reserve can be visited from three starting points: the Chapel of Nossa Senhora da Alegria (recommended), Casa do Fogo, or Fonte do Calvo.

Coordinates: 40°07'20.8"N 8°23'20.5"W