Carvalhal de Vermilhas

Framework

Carvalhal de Vermilhas is made up of two properties, Cabrieira of 3.2 ha (40º38’57,38N 8º08’16,43’’W) and Dumação of 2.3ha (40º 39’ 03,53’’N 8º 08’ 26.84’’W) which were purchased in 2015 through a crowdfunding campaign.

It is located in the Serra do Caramulo in the joint parishes of Cambra and Carvalhal de Vermilhas, Vouzela and integrated into the Vouga-Caramulo Natural Local Park.

Cabreiria is bordered by two waterlines and an upper area dominated by granite outcrops. Dumação has a high gradient.

The property was composed of a mature Oakland which burned during a high-intensity fire in October 2017, and is now in a regeneration phase.

Flora

Recurring vegetation

  • White broom (Cytisus multiflorus)
  • Gorse (Ulex europaeus)
  • Heather (Erica arborea)
  • “Carqueja” (Pterospartum tridentatum)
  • Pyrenean oak (Quercus pyrenaica)

 

Sporadic vegetation

  • Butcher’s broom (Ruscus aculeatus)
  • Willow (Salix sp.)
  • Maritime pine (Pinus pinaster)
  • Eagle fern (Pteridium aquilinum)

Recurring fauna

  • Genet (Genetta genetta)
  • Common buzzard (Buteo buteo)
  • Carrion crow (Corvus corone)
  • Wild boar (Sus crofe)
  • Red fox (Vulpes vulpes)
  • Egyptian mongoose (Herpestes ichneumon)
  • Red-legged patridge (Perdiz-vermelha)

Management model

MONTIS waited until spring 2018 to decide what to do in terms of management. Burnt oak trees were found to have regenerated well, with shoots emerging from nearly every tree. It is currently a good moment to start the conduction of existing regeneration, considering that the fire has removed shrubs thereby facilitating access, and that signs of regeneration are relatively abundant.

 

The management objectives for this property are:

  • To support natural processes with the intention of increasing biodiversity and resilience to natural risks.

  Gallery 

Evolution of the property through aerial photography