Virtual fencing lets cattle herd graze to cut wildfire risk in Serra da Estrela
A herd of cows is being used in the Serra da Estrela to help prevent wildfires by grazing down vegetation that fuels fires, guided by a virtual shepherd system rather than traditional fencing or herders. The technology directs the animals' movement across the terrain, allowing targeted grazing of scrubland in areas at high fire risk. The initiative reflects a wider trend of using livestock grazing as a land-management tool to reduce combustible biomass in fire-prone mountain regions of Portugal.
Old trout farm in Figueiró dos Vinhos becomes conservation centre
The former Viveiro de Trutas de Campelo in Figueiró dos Vinhos has been converted into the Centro de Reabilitação de Ecossistemas Ribeirinhos (CRER), focused on restocking and ecological restoration of streams. Run in partnership with the University of Évora and QUERCUS, it has hosted schoolchildren, young volunteers and a classic car enthusiasts' meet-up. A successful application to the EU's LIFE Programme has secured funding for the next five years and will finance the renovation of a neighbouring building into a Welcome Center for the Aldeia de Campelo, featuring interactive multimedia exhibits for education and tourism.
Rewilding Portugal reports record year for Côa Valley nature tourism
Rewilding Portugal closed 2025 with record results in nature tourism in the Grande Vale do Côa. The organisation ran 35 experiences, attracting over 300 visitors and generating more than 45,000 euros in revenue. Spring and summer were the busiest periods, with an average stay of 2.3 nights. Most visitors were Portuguese, over 50, and highly educated, with social media and word-of-mouth the main channels of attraction. Satisfaction was near-universal, and about half of visitors had never previously been to the region, suggesting the initiative is drawing new audiences and generating direct regional impact.
New boardwalk under construction between two Algarve beaches
A new pedestrian boardwalk is being built to connect Altura and Praia Verde in the eastern Algarve, near Castro Marim. Construction, carried out by the concessionaires of the local beach support facilities, began in May and was originally due to finish in July, but work is still ongoing. The route crosses a dune area within the Ria Formosa/Castro Marim Natura 2000 network, home to species such as sea holly and sand narcissus. Praia Verde, an Accessible Beach since 2008 with roughly 550 metres of coastline, already offers accessible parking, sanitary facilities and an amphibious chair for water access.
Dead fish found in Corgo river in Vila Real
GNR's environmental protection service is investigating the appearance of dead fish floating near the river park on the Corgo river in Vila Real. A patrol was sent to photograph the scene, and municipal environmental services were notified to begin cleaning the area, with work expected to continue into Monday. While a pollutant discharge has not been ruled out, a council source suggested the fish deaths could be linked to a sharp drop in the river's water flow. Water and fish samples have been collected to help determine the cause.
GNR launches hunting inspection operation until February 2027
The GNR has started the Artémis 2026/2027 operation, running until February 2027, to inspect compliance with hunting rules and protect wildlife and public safety. Through its nature and environment protection service (SEPNA), the force will step up preventive and reactive checks and awareness actions among hunters. Officers will monitor safety distances from homes and feeding sites, and check hunting zone permits. In the previous operation, the GNR inspected 10,751 hunters, detected 136 crimes, made 133 arrests and issued 345 fines, mostly for missing documentation and improper weapon transport.
