Paul da Gouxa Local Nature Reserve

Category: Nature > Reserva natural

District: Santarém > Alpiarça > Alpiarça

Location:

The Paul da Gouxa Local Nature Reserve is located in the town of Alpiarça, in the heart of Ribatejo. This natural area is integrated into the region's landscape, offering a refuge of tranquility and contact with nature, away from urban hustle, although close to the town center.

A Geological and Biological Treasure:

At Paul da Gouxa, a remarkable geological feature stands out: a lowland peatland. This type of ecosystem is exceptionally rare in Europe, and Paul da Gouxa hosts one of the oldest known. Formed over approximately 9000 years, its age is more than double that of many peatlands in Northern Europe, where these soils are more common. This millennial accumulation of organic material gives the site inestimable value for understanding natural history and climate over time.

The Importance of a Rare Habitat:

The presence of this lowland peatland, along with formations of swamp willow and extensive reed beds in excellent condition, gives Paul da Gouxa a crucial role in biodiversity conservation. Throughout the Iberian Peninsula and Europe, most similar ecosystems have been destroyed or converted for other uses, making Paul da Gouxa a unique testament and a sanctuary for plant and animal species adapted to this environment. It is recognized at a European level as a priority habitat for conservation, underscoring its exceptional ecological value.

A Space for Nature and Discovery:

The Paul da Gouxa Local Nature Reserve is a 140-hectare area dedicated to the protection of an invaluable natural heritage. Its existence offers a unique opportunity for those seeking direct contact with a rare ecosystem and the tranquility of the Ribatejo landscape. For visitors, it is a place where nature observation and the understanding of ecological processes combine with the quietness of the environment, providing an enriching experience and awareness of the importance of environmental conservation.

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