How was the Sagres Birdwatching Festival 2023?

In October, after the hiking season starts, it’s time to head to Sagres and take part in the Birdwatching Festival organized by SPEA.

This year marked the 14th edition of the festival, and the Rota Vicentina Association collaborated by offering some nature activities.

On October 5th, we set out on a maintenance walk that covered stages of the Historical Way and the Fishermen’s Trail, starting from Vila do Bispo and winding our way to Cabo de S. Vicente. We convened at Beliche’s Fort, embarking on our journey along the Historical Way to make the most of the crisp morning air. In the afternoon, during the latter part of the route, we relished the refreshing views along the coastline. We meandered through Algarve’s unique vegetation, graced the beautiful Telheiro beach, and admired the S. Vicente limestone formations. But this event wasn’t just about walking; we also seized the opportunity to contribute to trail maintenance. We reinforced the signage on these segments and conducted a cleanup operation, encountering numerous fellow hikers along the way.

On the 6th, we revisited the Environmental Trail of Castelejo for the third edition of the interpretive walk “Natives vs. Invasives.” Every year, the landscape of Castelejo presents itself differently. After all, landscapes are ever-changing and continually evolving. During this walk, we engaged in discussions about native and invasive plants, their impacts, and actively searched for them during our journey. We utilized our senses and raised awareness about the significance of observing the surrounding landscape to comprehend its transformations.

Throughout these activities, we had the pleasure of meeting incredible people who were not just eager to help maintain our Walking Trails and have a good time, but were also deeply passionate about nature and all its inhabitants. These moments always offer valuable opportunities for learning and sharing knowledge.

Thank you all and see you next year!