The Scientific Work Camp dedicated to the control of invasive plants in Serra da Estrela, organised as part of the SerE+ project – Network of Areas for the Acceleration of Ecosystem Services in Serra da Estrela – took place between 25 and 31 July, in Mata do Desterro, São Romão, in the municipality of Seia, and was attended by 18 participants from nine districts (Aveiro, Braga, Bragança, Porto, Guarda, Coimbra, Castelo Branco, Santarém and Lisbon), who came together for an experience of learning, sharing and practical action in support of nature conservation.

This was an initiative organised by CISE – Serra da Estrela Interpretation Centre/Municipality of Seia and by Palombar – Nature and Rural Heritage Conservation, in collaboration with CEF – Centre for Functional Ecology at the University of Coimbra and CERNAS – Centre for Research on Natural Resources, Environment and Society at ESAC – Higher Agricultural School of the IPC – Polytechnic Institute of Coimbra, as part of the Invasoras.pt project.

A week dedicated to making more room for the native forest

Every morning was devoted to controlling the mimosa (Acacia dealbata), one of the most problematic invasive species in the Serra da Estrela and many other regions of the country.

Equipped with hand tools and accompanied by specialist technicians, the participants applied various control methods, notably uprooting and stripping the bark, helping to reduce the presence of this species and create better conditions for the recovery of the native vegetation in the Mata do Desterro.

Over several days of work, hundreds of invasive plants were controlled, in a collective effort that demonstrates how small actions, when carried out consistently, can have a significant impact on the recovery of ecosystems.

Controlling mimosa is essential for the growth of the native forest. Photo: Elizabete Marchante.

Learning to take effective action: training on biological invasions

The afternoons were set aside for the training component of the Scientific Work Camp. Participants had the opportunity to deepen their knowledge of biological invasions, the impacts of invasive species on ecosystems, and the methodologies currently used for their management and control.

The training sessions on biological invasions were led by Hélia Marchante and Elizabete Marchante, nationally and internationally recognised researchers in this field and coordinators of the invasoras.pt platform, one of Portugal’s leading initiatives in research, awareness-raising, citizen science and support for the management of invasive plant species.

Affiliated with the Centre for Functional Ecology at the University of Coimbra and CERNAS, the two researchers have spent more than two decades dedicated to studying the ecological impacts of biological invasions, developing control strategies and ecological restoration, and engaging society in nature conservation.

Biological invasions: informed intervention is crucial for effective control. Photo: Elizabete Marchante.

The programme also included a session dedicated to invasive fauna, with a focus on the American mink (Neogale vison), led by Pedro Alves, a biologist from the Palombar team with experience in conservation projects focused on the restoration and conservation of riparian galleries, rivers and streams in northern and central Portugal. The session provided a better understanding of the impact of invasive alien species on aquatic ecosystems and reinforced the idea that biological invasions currently represent one of the greatest challenges to biodiversity conservation.

Discovering Serra da Estrela beyond invasive species

Although the control of invasive species was the main focus of the Work Camp, the initiative sought to provide a broader experience of contact with nature and the Serra da Estrela region.

Throughout the week, complementary activities took place, such as stargazing at the Travancinha Astronomical Observatory, an interpretative walking trail between Mata do Desterro and the Lapa dos Dinheiros river beach, bat watching, and social gatherings by the region’s river beaches.

These activities enabled participants to gain a better understanding of local biodiversity and to appreciate the relationship between mountain ecosystems, the services they provide to communities, and the challenges associated with their conservation.

A bat-watching session led to the discovery of species found in the region. Photo: José Conde.

A Community Open Day: involving everyone in nature conservation

One of the week’s most memorable moments was the Community Open Day, held on 30 July at Senhora do Desterro. The initiative brought together members of the public, local associations, public bodies and organisations involved in nature conservation for an afternoon dedicated to raising awareness of the issue of invasive species.

During an informal discussion led by Hélia and Elizabete Marchante, the impacts of biological invasions on ecosystems and on people’s quality of life were discussed.

Invasive species contribute to exacerbating a range of environmental problems, from biodiversity loss to an increase in the intensity of rural wildfires, as well as soil degradation, changes in water availability and quality, and economic impacts on sectors such as agriculture, forestry, tourism and beekeeping.

The day concluded with the return to the wild of a tawny owl (Strix aluco), rehabilitated by CERVAS – Centre for Ecology, Rehabilitation and Monitoring of Wildlife – and with a social gathering between participants, volunteers and the local community.

The release of a tawny owl back into the wild marked the Community Open Day. Photo: José Conde.

Environmental education and active participation

The Scientific Work Camp also welcomed young participants from a summer camp organised by the Reencontro association, who had the opportunity to learn about the invasive species present in the Mata do Desterro and take part in practical control measures.

This activity reinforced one of the most important aspects of the Work Camp: the promotion of environmental literacy and the involvement of different groups in nature conservation.

Throughout the week, science, environmental education, voluntary work and direct contact with the local area came together in a process of mutual learning that enabled participants to gain a better understanding of current ecological challenges and the role that each individual can play in addressing them.

Direct contact with the local area is essential for forging links and strengthening environmental conservation efforts. Photo: José Conde.

Restoring ecosystems to enhance their services

The control of invasive species is one of the ecological restoration measures planned as part of the SerE+ project. By reducing the pressure these species exert on natural habitats, it is possible to create the conditions for biodiversity to recover and to improve the ecosystem services provided by Serra da Estrela, such as water regulation – ensuring water quality – soil conservation, carbon storage and support for local economic activity.

The Scientific Work Camp 2026 has demonstrated, once again, that nature conservation benefits from collaboration between science, institutions and citizens, transforming knowledge into concrete and direct action on the ground.

Science, citizens and organisations joining forces to protect the native forest and ecosystem services in Serra da Estrela. Photo: Elizabete Marchante.