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Flora

Zambujo reCover: ecological restoration in the International Tagus Natural Park

Increasing the environmental value of the natural and semi-natural forest habitats of Zambujo, a Navigator property located in Idanha-a-Nova, in the heart of the International Tagus Natural Park, is the aim of the Zambujo reCover initiative, which will undertake the ecological restoration of an area equivalent to about 150 football pitches.

Holly: a highly symbolic relict

The small, round fruit is deep red in colour and stands out among the dark green, glossy, jagged leaves. This is holly, an ancient species that has become a symbol of Christmas, but which the Celts worshipped centuries ago.

The Douglas fir: a giant Christmas tree

With its tall and elegant conical crown, the Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) is one of the most sought after species as a Christmas tree. Also known as the Oregon pine or pseudotsuga, it is native to the west coast of North America, where it is one of the most sought after species for decoration during Christmas festivities.

Lusitanian Oak

The Lusitanian oak or gall oak is the smallest of the Portuguese oak trees and one of the species that was first identified in Portugal.

Montado

The montado is one of Portugal’s most iconic landscapes, and can be found specifically in Alentejo, but this sanctuary of biodiversity, which was first shaped by human activity many centuries ago, is also an endangered habitat.

Old chestnut trees are a haven for biodiversity

At the end of October, the spiky cupules of chestnut trees (Castanea sativa), which resemble small hedgehogs, have already begun to fall. Inside them, the much sought-after chestnuts can be found. This is the case in the mountainous regions of Portugal, especially in the central and northern parts of the country, where the old chestnut trees provide shelter for dozens of species, including rare plants, birds of prey, and highly prized mushrooms.