In this event we'll walk around and observe the fantastic world of birds that permanently or occasionally inhabit the EVOA space, in the heart of the Tagus Estuary Nature Reserve. A fantastic space created in the heart of the Ribatejo marshlands, just outside Lisbon. Through a Guided Tour and Birdwatching, we'll get to know the animal life in this area in detail. Come along and take part in this event!

The EVOA Space

Located in the heart of Portugal's most important wetland, the Tagus Estuary Nature Reserve, EVOA - Espaço de Visitação e Observação de Aves allows visitors to get to know and enjoy the unique heritage that exists between the lezíria and the Tagus estuary.

The EVOA includes three freshwater wetlands totalling 70 hectares. These lagoons are very important for birds and are used as refuge areas or even as nesting sites. In order to guarantee the tranquillity of the birds and maximise the experience and comfort of visiting, there are three observatories on the lagoons, several camouflaged observation points and an Interpretation Centre.

As well as welcoming visitors, the Interpretation Centre invites them to see the permanent exhibition - EVOA, where the world meets the Tagus -and to take part in various activities complementary to birdwatching.

The Lezíria Grande de Vila Franca de Xira is an extensive, elongated area of 14,000 hectares, bordered to the west by the Tagus and to the east by the Sorraia river, and which borders the Tagus Estuary to the north. This extensive alluvial plain is the result of man's patient and historic intervention to consolidate the most productive agricultural area in the country by regularising the banks of the Tagus, building dykes and an irrigation and drainage system.

This proximity to the estuary results in greater utilisation by the birds that concentrate there, boosted by the more extensive characteristics of the agricultural systems that provide areas of refuge between tides for many aquatic species and suitable conditions for wintering and nesting by various steppe species.

As well as birdwatching, this 6,000 hectare area has other interesting aspects in terms of landscape, agriculture, animal production and the lives of those who work there.

With a marked seasonal variation, a drive through the Lezíria Sul on the way to the EVOA allows you to observe grazing areas with cows, horses and a few sheep, countless rice beds with their birds that change according to the water level, irrigated crops with their huge pivots, the hermitage dedicated to Our Lady of Alcamé, wind pumps, old stone gates and fences and countless surprises that cross the road or fly over it.

The Interpretation Centre

As well as welcoming and supporting visitors, the EVOA Interpretation Centre also offers a range of leisure, awareness-raising and environmental education activities. The Centre has a permanent exhibition space and an area for temporary exhibitions, an auditorium/multi-purpose room, a bar with a privileged view over the lagoons, a shop and toilets. The Interpretation Centre thus allows visitors to be framed and made aware of the unique aspects of this protected area, its birdlife and its natural and cultural values.

- Visit to the EVOA Birdwatching Area - Visit to the Interpretation Centre - Exhibition - Walk -