Presentation
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The Paul de Tornada (Tornada's marsh), known at the time of Queen D. Leonor by the name of Cornaga or Boa Vista do Extremo marsh, is a wetland near Caldas da Rainha, remnant of a recent past when the sea penetrated deep into the continent, through Caldas da Rainha Valley and when Tornada river was still navigable.
The Nature Reserve (45 ha, 25 of which are flooded throughout the year) is divided by Vala do Meio and is limited by two draining ditches.
The marsh exhibits the usual vegetation of the wetlands, the Yellow Iris, the Broadleaf Cattail, the Reed, the Bullrush and the White Willow, having also diverse fauna including fish like Achondrostoma oligolepis.
Mammals: Eurasian Otter (Lutra lutra), Weasel (Mustela nivalis), Eurasian Badger (Meles meles) and Lagranja Shrew (Sorex granarius).
Amphibians and reptiles: European Pond Turtle (Emys orbicularis), Mediterranian Turtle (Mauremys leprosa), European Tree Frog (Hyla arborea), Slow Worm (Anguis fragilis), Schreiber's Green Lizard (Lacerta schreiberi) and Grass Snake (Natrix natrix).
Birds
Nesting - Little Egret (Egretta garzetta), Purple Heron (Ardea purpurea), Purple Swamphen (Porphyrio porphyrio) and Common Coot (Fulica atra).
Insectivorous migrants (Spring/Summer) - Common Swift (Apus apus), Barn Swallow (Hirundo rustica), Northern House Martin (Delichon urbicum), Eurasian Reed-warbler (Acrocephalus scirpaceus), Great Reed-warbler (Acrocephalus arundinaceus) and Savi's Warbler (Locustella luscinioides).
Other migrants- Bluethroat (Luscinia svecica), Sedge Warbler (Acrocephalus schoenobaenus), Whinchat (Saxicola rubetra) and Yellow Wagtail (Motacilla flava).
Raptors - Black-winged Kite (Elanus caeruleus), Barn Owl (Tyto alba), Northern Goshawk (Accipiter gentilis) and Eurasian Sparrowhawk (Accipiter nisus). Occasionally, Black Kite (Milvus migrans) and Western Marsh-harrier (Circus aeruginosus).
Non-native - Black-headed Weaver (Ploceus melanocephalus) and Common Waxbill (Estrilda astrild).
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Município das Caldas da Rainha
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Rivers and marshes
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Lisbon and Tagus Valley
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Caldas da Rainha
Identification and Access
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Access coming from:
- Caldas da Rainha - N8 heading towards Alfeizerão, in the Tornada locality turn left before the church until Paul Street*
- north by Leiria through the A8 in the direction of Lisbon, exit on the Intersection 20 - Tornada / Caldas da Rainha enter the Tornada locality trough the N8, turn left before the church until Paul Street*
* There you can enter the Paul de Tornada Educational Ecological Centre - Professor João Evangelista.
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Yes
Tip
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The end of Summer is the best time to visit this Nature Reserve. The water levels reach their minimum quota, which allows observation of the waders that search for food on the exposed mud. Don't forget to watch the ducks that serve as a symbol to this Protected Area.
To observe the fauna leave early in the morning or a bit before dusk. Bring binoculars and a camera, if you have them. Previously contact the Protected Area if you wish to use the observatory near the Education Centre.
Always pay attention to the weather forecast and avoid performing activities in days of rain, thunderstorm or fog. Avoid going out by yourself, but, if you do, inform an acquaintance or a local entity of your departure and return. Use simple and comfortable clothes. Make outerwear, food, water, sunscreen and/or a raincoat available. You can also carry a cellphone. 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 field trips for schools only by previous booking.
Statutes of Conservation
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Ramsar Site - Paul da Tornada
near you
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In Caldas da Rainha, visit Fábrica Bordallo Pinheiro a factory that produces ceramic with naturalistic motifs.
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Óbidos lagoon, in territories of the municipalities of Caldas da Rainha and Óbidos, is the greater coastal lagoon system of the Portuguese coast.
similar
Weather Conditions
What you can do
1. Observe the arrival of migratory birds.
2. Visit Tornada Paul's Ecological Education Centre and walk through the tracks.
1. Walk on the Paul trails, watching the waterfowl.
2. Do a picnic, in the threshing-floor, with family or friends.
1. With the Paul's Ecological Education Centre Tornada telescope, observe the birds in Paul.
2. Walk on the Paul trails, watching the waterfowl.
1. Visit Tornada Paul's Ecological Education Centre and walk through the tracks.
2. With the Paul's Ecological Education Centre Tornada telescope, observe the birds in Paul.
Best Season: All year long
Reserva Natural Local do Paul de Tornada (Headquarters)
Câmara Municipal de Caldas da Rainha (Caldas da Rainha Municipality)
Praça 25 de Abril
2500-110 CALDAS DA RAINHA
Telephone: (00351) 262 240 000
E-mail: reserva.natural-pt@cm-caldas-rainha.pt
(Delegation) RNLPT
Centro Ecológico Educativo do Paul de Tornada - Professor João Evangelista (Paul de Tornada Ecological and Educational Center - Professor João Evangelista)
Rua do Paul, 12
Tornada
2500-315 CALDAS DA RAINHA
Telephone: (00351) 262 881 790
E-mail: paultornada.ceept@gmail.com
