Leiria National Forest

Category: Nature > Woodland

District: Leiria > Marinha Grande > Marinha Grande

Location:

The Leiria National Forest is entirely located in the municipality of Marinha Grande, extending through the parishes of Marinha Grande and Vieira de Leiria. Its vast area, spanning over eleven thousand hectares, is characterized by gently undulating terrain, strongly influenced by its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean and the presence of dune cordons that define the landscape. The São Pedro de Moel Stream, one of its main watercourses, crosses the forest and contributes to its natural environment.

A Century-Old History:

The Leiria National Forest, also known as the King's Pine Forest, has its roots planted in the 13th and 14th centuries. Its initial foundation is attributed to D. Afonso III, who aimed to halt the advance of dune sands and protect agricultural lands and the city of Leiria. Later, D. Dinis I, known as the "Farmer King," significantly expanded the area of the pine forest, giving it the dimension recognized today. Over centuries, the reforestation policy, which ensured the planting of a new tree for every one cut, allowed for its maintenance and sustainability.

This pine forest played a vital role in the history of Portugal, providing the wood and pitch essential for the construction of caravels and other vessels that propelled the Maritime Discoveries. Its importance extended to regional economic development in the 18th and 19th centuries, feeding industries such as glassmaking, metallurgy, and resin production, using wood as raw material and an energy source. Even today, it is possible to find traces of the old kilns where pitch was produced.

Biodiversity and Regeneration:

Traditionally dominated by maritime pine, the Leiria National Forest also hosts a diversity of other plant species, such as stone pine, heather, arbutus, and oak trees, especially in areas near the stream. Its ecosystem is home to a varied fauna, including mammals such as rabbits, hares, foxes, wild boars, and a rich avifauna with blackbirds, tits, and robins. The presence of dunes also gives it a particular natural and scenic value.

In 2017, the forest was severely affected by fires, which represented a moment of great impact on its recent history. However, since then, there has been a continuous effort of recovery and reforestation, which not only seeks to restore the burnt area but also aims to introduce greater species diversity, contributing to the future resilience of the forest. Visitors can observe the process of natural regeneration and the new plantations that mark the rebirth of this important green lung.

Exploring the Forest:

The Leiria National Forest is an invitation to discovery and contact with nature. Its unique organization, divided into rectangular plots, is crossed by a network of sandy paths known as "aceiros" and "arrifes." This structure, originally designed for forest management and fire prevention, now offers a vast network of routes. Visitors find here a suitable place for peaceful walks or bike rides, allowing them to explore the natural beauty and tranquility that the forest provides.

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