Presentation
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This is an inland wetland area dependant on the flows of Tejo and Almonda rivers. Paul do Boquilobo Natural Reserve (817 ha) is dominated by plant species associated with moist environments: bulrush; cattail; reed...In the arboreal layer, in temporarily flooded areas, willow woods dominate, mainly of white willow, which form small vegetation islands and even dense thickets. In regards to fish we highlight the eel and two endemic Portuguese species, the roach and the nase. There are four endemic Iberian amphibious species and 27 species of mammals accounted for. Due to its status we must also mention the existence of the European pond turtle.
The high ornithological value is assured by the presence of about 221 bird species, having an important ardeidae colony - Cattle egret, Snowy egret, Black-crowned night heron, Grey Heron, Purple heron and Squacco heron. The Spoonbill have in this location one of the few nesting areas in Portugal. Numerous wintering anatidae population, namely the northern pintail and the common pochard.
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Instituto da Conservação da Natureza e das Florestas, I.P. (ICNF, I.P.)
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Rivers and marshes
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Lisbon and Tagus Valley
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Golegã
Torres Novas
Identification and Access
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Access by car coming from:
- Golegã - by N243 heading towards Riachos, exit towards Azinhaga through the Timor Lorosae street, heading straight ahead until you exit the village of Golegã, continue until the intersection which is commonly know as "field roads crossroad", turn right heading to Torres Novas, continuing another 700 meters until you find a junction and turning left at the "Nature Reserve" indication, keep following that field road for 800 meters until you have crossed Almonda river. After you crossed it follow the dirt road (without passing the gates to Quinta do Paul) until you reach the headquarters of the Nature Reserve (about 600 m); or
- Torres Novas - by EN 243, heading towards Riachos, until the Senhor Jesus dos Lavradores roundabout, entering the avenue with the same name, and then taking the Relvas road, after you cross a rail road line you enter a roundabout and you should turn right and always follow the railway through the CM118 for 3200 meters until you cross a trench. Turn left and always follow that paved road, until you cross Almonda river (about 3000m). After you've crossed it follow the dirt road (without passing the gates to Quinta do Paul) until the headquarters of the Nature Reserve (about 700 m).
Note: the agricultural paths that lead to the Reserve can only be used by cars between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. for security reasons).
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Yes
What we do
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Among the several projects are:
- regular counts of waterfowl held since the beginning of the Nature Reserve; monitoring of Narcissus fernadesii, an Iberian endemism and the 2nd largest nuclei in Portuguese territory; and
- regular birdringing in cooperation with a local school through a project funded by Calouste Gulbenkian foundation.
Tip
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Some of the herons that reproduce here come from Africa and the Spoonbills from other regions of northern Europe. Visit this small wetland area and if you are interested in birds, come during late Autumn and late Spring.
To observe the fauna leave early in the morning or a bit before dusk. Bring binoculars and a camera, if you have them. Always pay attention to the weather forecast and avoid performing activities in days of rain, thunderstorm or fog. Use simple and comfortable clothes. Make outerwear, food, water, sunscreen and/or a raincoat available. Take precautions and use insect repellent. Take special precautions when walking in moist areas, to avoid falling, and do not act in a way that might endanger yourself or others.
In case of an accident contact the emergency service 112.
Supports in place
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The Reserve has directional and informative signs throughout all of its area.
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No
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Yes
Activities and school field trips only by previous booking.
Statutes of Conservation
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PTZPE0008 Paul do Boquilobo (Boquilobo Marsh)
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Biosphere Reserve
RAMSAR site – Paul do Boquilobo - International Importance Wetlands List
near you
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Visit the village of Golegã and see the House / gallery Carlos Relvas. (Learn more). See also the typewriter Museum in the library of Golegã and the Museum Martins Correia in Equuspolis.
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In Torres Novas, don't miss the Municipal Museum Carlos Reis. Two kilometers away from this town, visit the roman ruins of Villa Cardilio.
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In Boquilobo, know Humberto Delgado's house memorial of the military, democratic and political known as the 'fearless general' and murdered by Salazar regime. The house, now a property of Municipal Interest, is in the square that now bears his name.
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In Riachos, discover the rural world in the 'Museu Agrícola', in Rua Dr. José Marques, 14.
similar
Weather Conditions
What you can do
1. Bring your binoculars and do the route. You will discover plants in bloom and the birds... always the birds!
2. In May go to the Gastronomy fair, fill the stomach and then, go to the Reserve, and fill the mind doing birdwatching.
1. Deguste a glass of wine at Quinta de Matos Miranda, part of Rota da Vinha e do Vinho do Ribatejo (Route of Vine and Ribatejo Wine).
1. In November, go to Feira do Cavalo (Horse Fair), in Golegã and finish your day visiting the Reserve.
1. Choose one of those clear days and take pictures of the birds of the Reserve.
Best Season: Spring and Autumn
Reserva Natural do Paul do Boquilobo (headquarters)
CNEMA – Quinta das Cegonhas
Apartado 59
2001-901 SANTARÉM
Telephone: (00351) 243 306 530
E-mail: rnpb@icnf.pt
GPS: 39.220129, -8.698245
Interpretation Center
Quinta do Paul - Brogueira
Telephone: (00351) 249 820 378
GPS: 39.408249, -8.530187
