It is in the Serra da Lousã that our first Integral Bio-Reserve is born. Around 70 hectares of habitats of high heritage and conservation value, this area includes ancient forests with almost no human influence, developing over schist soils, extremely steep slopes and humid valleys.
The Vale da Aveleira is home to centuries-old populations of chestnut trees, climax strawberry-tree groves and relict laurel woods. The hazel (aveleira) that gives the valley its name is also present, along with holly and wild cherry. The site is roamed by red deer and roe deer, and its watercourses attract the beautiful Lusitanian salamander, the water lizard and even the white-throated dipper. In the sunniest spots, we may come across the mysterious Lataste's viper.
Under the legislation governing Integral Reserves, human presence on site will be exceptional and strictly justified by scientific research or environmental monitoring. The main threat is the presence of invasive alien species, especially acacias (silver and blackwood wattle) in the surroundings. As a priority, we will carry out actions to control and combat these species in order to preserve the integrity and magic of the Vale da Aveleira.
Learn more about this Bio-Reserve at Vale da Aveleira.
