World Rewilding Day, celebrated on March 20th, was launched in 2021 by the Global Rewilding Alliance. Literally, "rewilding" means "naturalizing." And it's the fourth time this event is being celebrated in Cascais. This time, the program spans two days, with activities (mostly free) scheduled for the weekend of March 23rd and 24th.
On Saturday, March 23rd, the agenda kicks off at 3:00 pm with a briefing session about the new wildlife enclosure being built at Quinta do Pisão, aimed at creating conditions for the reintroduction of various species like the Iberian red deer and roe deer.
Also on March 23rd, from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm, there's a guided walk for those over 14 years old, around Peninha. You'll learn about what the Municipality is doing to promote biodiversity, reduce fire risk, and protect some endangered species in the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park. Later, from 8:30 pm to 10:30 pm, you can join another guided nature walk, this time at Quinta do Pisão.
On Sunday, March 24th, Pedra Amarela Campo Base will host a nature yoga class from 9:30 am to 10:50 am, for adults and young people over 16 years old. The same location will also host a hike (€4/person) starting at 11:00 am, along forest trails with moderate slopes, where you'll have the chance to enjoy a 360º panoramic view of the mountains and sea, at the viewpoint near the Watchtower, one of the highest points on the west side of the mountains. In the afternoon, from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm, there's a workshop (€15/person) at Quinta do Pisão, where you can sketch a live group of Sorraia horses.
Except for the hike along forest trails and the drawing workshop, all activities are free. But remember, registration is always required via email (atividadesnatureza@cascaisambiente.pt).
Nature Everywhere
March 3rd marked World Wildlife Day. Last Saturday, March 10th, the Municipality of Cascais invited families with children aged ten and over to participate in a commemorative walk through the Avencas Marine Protected Area, a nursery that includes octopuses, razor clams, starfish, sea urchins, and various fish.
On the weekend of March 23rd and 24th, besides the World Rewilding Day celebrations, the reopening of the João Pedro Cardoso da Conceição Butterfly House in Quinta de Rana is scheduled, after undergoing renovations. The inauguration on March 23rd will include a guided tour of the butterfly house (11:00 am-12:00 pm) and a butterfly identification workshop (2:30 pm-3:30 pm). On the following day, March 24th, there will be a butterfly and caterpillar photography workshop from 10:30 am to 12:00 pm, and a stamp workshop from 2:30 pm to 4:00 pm.