volunteer - Faia Brava Olive Harvest Campaign 2009 (November / December)

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. 

Periodically, ATN organizes volunteer activities to promote the participation of the community in reforestation of burned areas, traditional pigeon houses recovery, in traditional activities, such as the olive harvest, and in practical birds conservation actions. This way, we hope ATN and its projects can serve as a learning platform for the community, on the importance of the habitat mosaic for biodiversity conservation in this region.

This winter we invite you to come and participate in our anual traditional olive harvest, learning more about the olive groves and the production of olive oil. This olive oil is produced and sold by ATN, in our trade mark Faia Brava, as a fundraising campaign for wildlife conservation.

This activitie has a fee of 20€ for house reservation, transportation from Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo to Algores and work material.

Sign up now, we have limited registrations. Support us, by making part of our team!