Rewilding a Former Quarry: New Project in Portugal

Introduction to Rewilding

• Rewilding aims to restore landscapes, providing space for nature.
• Can involve setting aside large areas for wilderness to take over.
• Accelerating the rewilding process is key to success.

Project Overview

• Located in an abandoned quarry in a dry part of Portugal.
• Potential for high biodiversity, especially in wetland ecosystems.
• Most water bodies in the region are modified; the quarry is a unique opportunity.
• The landscape includes steep, barren walls and unusual blue water.

Goals and Plans

• Modify topography to increase and diversify wetland habitat.
• Specific plans include smoothing banks, connecting/ blocking ponds, and creating islands.
• Aim to create diverse conditions for a wide variety of species.

Background of the Site

• Former open-pit mine, operational from the 1930s to 2004.
• Mined for tin, titanium, feldspar, and quartz.
• Since abandonment, it has been flooding and overgrowing with vegetation.

Partners and Team

• Collaboration with Rewilding Portugal, managing land improvement.
• Thiago, a biologist, overseeing the project.
• Emotional connection: Thiago is the presenter’s brother.

Unique Features of the Quarry

• Steep banks create a bizarre, artificial feeling landscape.
• Many ponds with different sizes and characteristics, providing diverse habitats.
• Bizarre cliff compositions and strange organic maze of water, sand, and vegetation.

Importance of the Quarry

• Holds much water in a dry region, crucial for biodiversity.
• Diverse habitats support various species, including ephemeral habitats.
• More than 115 species observed; abundant birdlife and otter sightings noted.

Project Interventions

Initial Earth Movements

• Smoothing steep banks to create habitat gradients.
• Blocking old drainage pipes and channels to increase flooding and retention.
• Creating Mediterranean temporary ponds that dry up in summer.

Measurement and Analysis

• Conducting species abundance surveys and eDNA analysis to assess baseline conditions.
• Orthophoto mosaics to map ecosystem changes over time.
• Importance of measuring impacts before starting to ensure positive outcomes.

Planned Enhancements

• Reintroducing native plant species.
• Improving water passages for better water quality.
• Creating small islands for bird breeding habitats.

Final Thoughts and Future Updates

• Emphasis on not intervening in areas where restoration is already successful.
• Project funded by contributions from Mossy Earth members.
• Encouragement to follow the progress through updates and videos.
• Long-term goal: Let nature fully take over.