From theory to good forestry practice

“Theory without practice is worthless, practice without theory is blind”

Harold Anthony Lloyd

Quinta da Moenda, an LPN property in the municipality of Vila Nova de Poiares, continues to be the stage for visits and field trips to train forestry professionals in ecological restoration practices.

Guided by Professor Joaquim Sande Silva and Samuel Vieira, in early November we accompanied a group of students from the School of Agriculture of Coimbra (ESAC) in some practical sessions that aimed to apply techniques for controlling invasive alien species.

This is the result of a collaborative effort between several stakeholders, which relies on the vision and support of the municipality of Vila Nova de Poiares, the participation of the Polytechnic Institute of Coimbra (IPC) and the knowledge and transmission of best practices by LPN.

Our journey began with a guided tour of what is now considered the ecological sanctuary of Vila Nova de Poiares - Quinta da Moenda - where the careful work of Samuel, a LPN member, led to the conversion of an abandoned farm dominated by exotic species into a small native forest, whose visitation and enjoyment is open to the local community.

It was at the end of the farm, next to the Poiares stream, that the practical session of this class began. We were now in the neighboring properties of Quinta da Moenda, where the acacia continues to gain ground on the native forest and its owners, who are increasingly aware of this problem and, with it, the risk of forest fires.

Students from ESAC/IPC apply debarking techniques on specimens of acacia (Acacia dealbata) on a property bordering Quinta da Moenda, next to the Poiares stream.

This is demanding work and constant experimentation, aimed at identifying the most efficient methodologies in each context. But it is also a very rewarding job, because of the impact it has had on the landscape, with specimens of native flora regaining their place in the forest.

The following week it was Samuel's turn to visit the ESAC forest in Coimbra. The group was waiting for a work session in a plot of land once dominated by invasive exotic species and now in a more advanced stage of the restoration process. There they applied forest management techniques to control undergrowth, in a perspective of exchange between entities, to exchange knowledge and know-how.

LPN thanks the municipality of Vila Nova de Poiares for the support provided to the Florestas program and for its commitment to promote and enhance the native forest of central Portugal.

Learn more about Quinta da Moenda in Vila Nova de Poiares and LPN's Florestas program here.