Created September 22, 2026
Claim ID #62DBCE1E526EThe reforestation programme plants an 8-species mosaic across 25 parcels within the 305 ha intervention area. Seven species are native; one - red oak (Quercus rubra, 4.8% of yr2 trees) - is non-native, used as infill of a pre-existing ICNF-approved post-fire coppice stand since the 1990s. Species selection follows the GEOTA/Baldios Management Plan (2023-2039), authorised by ICNF under the regime florestal. 93.4% of the area is Natura 2000.
Rua do Meio, 6200-146 Covillana, Castelo Branco, Portugal
All media can be found in the list of documentation
Missing description
Missing description
A volunteer handles an Arbutus unedo seedling in its root plug next to a tray of nursery stock. Arbutus unedo (medronheiro) is one of the native broadleaved species in the mosaic, prized for its low flammability and use along road corridors and fuel break strips.
A young Quercus seedling growing on the stony soil of Serra da Estrela. Oaks are one of the native broadleaved species planted in the multi-species mosaic to add ecological diversity, provide shade tolerance, and complement the pine stands in the fire-prevention design.
Volunteers lift a tray of Arbutus unedo seedlings on planting day. Seedlings are sourced from local nurseries to preserve genetic diversity and are planted alongside Pinus and Quercus in a mosaic designed for both ecological resilience and fire management.
A young Pinus seedling in the foreground, with an established Pinus behind it and the Serra da Estrela ridge on the horizon. Pinus is the mosaic's backbone species and covers the majority of the reforested area; it establishes fast and withstands the altitude and exposure of the site.
This section contains the detailed description of the claim to provide the necessary context to understand it.
Following the 2017 wildfire that destroyed nearly all forest cover on the Baldios de Cortes do Meio, the community designed a new reforestation plan based on a biodiverse mosaic to replace the fire-damaged landscape. The plan uses 8 species across 25 parcels of 2-3 ha each, assigned by altitude, aspect, and soil type. The mosaic alternates 20 m strips of broadleaf and resinous species, interspersed with grazing pasture zones as natural firebreaks. Seven species are native: maritime pine (Pinus pinaster), Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris), cork oak (Quercus suber), holm oak (Quercus ilex), sweet chestnut (Castanea sativa), strawberry tree (Arbutus unedo), and Pyrenean oak (Quercus pyrenaica). One species - red oak (Quercus rubra, parcel II.20, 6.84 ha) - is non-native, included as infill of an existing post-fire coppice stand established jointly by ICNF (Instituto da Conservacao da Natureza e das Florestas) and the Baldios community since the 1990s. 100% of the area is under ICNF regime florestal - all species choices required prior government approval. 93.4% falls within Natura 2000 (SIC PT CON-0014). Year 2 species breakdown: maritime pine 106,436 (44.6%), strawberry tree 40,272 (16.9%), Pyrenean oak 28,690 (12.0%), holm oak 26,299 (11.0%), cork oak 11,610 (4.9%), red oak 11,390 (4.8%), chestnut 10,990 (4.6%), Scots pine 3,040 (1.3%). Earthtrust verification (May 2026): partially verified - 6 of 8 species confirmed in field, red oak disclosure accurate, 2 species (Q. ilex, C. sativa) pending access.
1. Community-led planning: The Baldios community (600 co-owners) designed the reforestation plan with GEOTA, selecting 8 species across 25 parcels based on altitude, soil conditions, and intended use (cork, chestnut, medronho, timber). Management Plan covers 2023-2039 with parcel-level silvicultural prescriptions. 2. Government approval: 100% under ICNF regime florestal - every species choice and intervention required ICNF authorisation. 93.4% is Natura 2000, requiring compliance with the Plano Sectorial da Rede Natura 2000. 3. Land preparation and planting: Terrain prepared after the dry season (Sep-Oct), planting during the wet season (Nov-Feb). Planting lines spaced 4 m apart. Fertilisation and mulching support root establishment. 4. Species verification: GEOTA submits species lists with each Final Planting Report, confirming scientific names, tree counts per species, native status, and IUCN classification. Seedlings sourced from Viveiros Melo & Cancela with local seed provenance for oak species. 5. Survival monitoring: Annual random-sample survival counts (1-5% per plot) before each planting season. Drone photogrammetry, 360° and ground-level photography provide visual confirmation. Survival data now available by plot, providing indicative per-species rates. 6. Independent verification: OTP Europe Regional Director site visit (Nov 2024) confirmed multi-species mosaic and local nursery sourcing. Earthtrust and One Tree Planted verification visit (May 2026) confirmed planting establishment, species composition, and site management.
Rua do Meio, 6200-146 Covillana, Castelo Branco, Portugal