Volunteer - 1 million seeds for the Côa Valley

The Côa valley, located in the northeast of Portugal, near the Douro International Natural Park, is a small but important SPA (Special Protected Area – Bird EU Directive), due to its significant cliff breeding bird populations. This area is also classified as an Archaeological Park, because of the existence of Palaeolithic engravings. 
 
ATN (Associação Transumância e Natureza), has dedicated this last 6 years to the creation of a biological micro-reserve, which now includes around 200 ha of land. ATN’s main aim is to increase biodiversity levels and to maintain eagle and vulture populations. This area is very important as a breeding site for Bonelli’s Eagles and Egyptian vultures. 
 
Rabbits, partridges and pigeons are important prey species. Their abundance is balanced with various management measures, such as the restoration or creation of suitable habitat (barley fields, traditional olive and almond yards and pigeon houses). Active management of the mosaic landscape also provides a safe structure for fire containment. During summer permanent surveillance is necessary to prevent fire outbreaks. Protecting the last pieces of natural woodland in the region, from fires and overgrazing in a semiarid deforested landscape has been another priority, through the establishment of sustainable practices for domestic and wild grazers. Contrary to many other countries in Europe, private nature conservation is still at a pioneer stage in Portugal. Thanks to international help, the Faia Brava micro-reserve is growing and heading towards sustainable development. 

ATN’s Bosques da Faia Brava project (Faia Brava Woodland) challenges you to live different and original days, dedicated to the conservation of native woods at the NE of Portugal, through the volunteer program “1 Million Seeds for the Côa Valley”. With your support, we want to work on woodland recovery and improvement, as well as on the main streams and abandoned agricultural areas, all of which were affected by fire. With your help we hope to contribute to the conservation of the traditional habitat mosaic, thus protecting fauna and flora species that depend on it. The major goal of this initiative is to collect and sow 1 million seeds of native trees in the next 5 years, in an area of about 500 ha, including ash trees, oaks, maples and other native species. Sign up now, we have limited registrations. Support us, by making part of our team!

Main tasks: Collection of seeds, maintaining the tree nursery, planting trees and seeds.

Other tasks: Bird surveys, wildlife monitoring, pigeon house maintenance, oaks pruning, nature trail maintenance, garrano herd management (autochthonous horse species).

ATN offers accommodation in camping or home, depending on the participation period (minimum 1 week).