National Forest of Margaraça

Location and Protection

It is located on the slopes of the Serra do Açor, between 600 and 850 meters of altitude. It is part of the Serra do Açor Protected Landscape and has been protected since 1979. This area covers 382 hectares and is recognized as a Biogenetic Reserve by the Council of Europe.

Ancient Forest and Diversity

The Mata is a rare example of the original deciduous forest (forest that loses its leaves in the fall) of Portugal. The main species include oaks, chestnuts, cherry trees, elms, ash trees, and laurel trees. There are also various plants and shrubs, such as hazel trees and strawberry trees, as well as rare plant species, such as the Turk's cap lily.

Wildlife and Mushrooms

The diversity of flora includes 74 species of mushrooms, which attracts visitors interested in nature and botany.

Impact of Fires

The Mata was severely affected by the 2017 fires, with almost half of the area destroyed. However, recovery is underway, and nature is already regenerating.

Chestnut Tree Plague

In 2020, the insect "chestnut gall wasp" was identified, which affects the chestnut trees of the Mata, being a current concern for the preservation of these trees.

History

The Mata da Margaraça has an ancient history, with the first record dating back to the 13th century. The wood from this forest was used to build the altarpiece of the Igreja da Sé Nova in Coimbra. In 1985, it began to be managed by the Institute for Nature Conservation and Forests.