University of Aveiro Natural Lagoon

Category: Nature > Lagoon

District: Aveiro > Aveiro > Aveiro > Campus Universitário de Santiago

Location

Located on the Santiago University Campus in Aveiro, the University of Aveiro Natural Lagoon is situated in a transitional zone between the urban environment and the natural landscape of the Ria. It is bordered by old salt pans, which give it a unique identity. Its position, relatively close to the city center, makes it easily accessible for those seeking a space of tranquility and contact with nature. To the north, the body of water is delimited by a strip of land, while to the west it connects with the Boco River, thus integrating into a wider hydrological network.

Origin and Natural Environment

Locally known as the Lago do Paraíso (Lake of Paradise), this lagoon's genesis is linked to the historic salt pans that once dotted the region. In the past, the separation between these salt pans and the lake was clearly defined by mud and stone walls. Over time, with the progressive abandonment of some of these saltworks, the old dikes gradually gave way and blurred, resulting in the landscape observed today. This natural evolution created an extensive body of water, where the vestiges of ancient salt production activities harmoniously integrate with the current riverside environment, offering a vast and open perspective.

Biodiversity and Birdwatching

The University of Aveiro Natural Lagoon represents a habitat of great ecological value, hosting a remarkable diversity of avifauna. The abundance of marine and aquatic bird species makes this location a privileged spot for birdwatching. Attentive visitors may spot flamingos, black-winged stilts, Kentish plovers, or little egrets, among many other species. This biodiversity-rich environment is also utilized by Biology students from the University of Aveiro for field work, solidifying its relevance as a true natural laboratory for the study of local ecology.

License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt