The Paul da Goucha Local Nature Reserve, in Alpiarça, will host the City Nature Challenge 2026 from 24 to 27 April 2026, one of the world’s largest citizen science initiatives. The event invites participants to observe and record plants and wildlife in urban environments, as part of a global competition between territories based on the number of observations, identified species, and participants involved.

The programme will take place in the protected area of Paul da Goucha, a wetland of relevance for biodiversity, water retention, and climate change mitigation, featuring more than 25 science- and art-related activities over four days, including night visits, walks, concerts, and workshops.

Highlights include the participation of ecological sound artist David de la Haye, who will present the concert “Underwater Soundscapes” on 25 April at 22:30, and lead a workshop for school audiences on 24 April. On 26 April at 15:00, the activity “Observatory of the Rivers of Paul da Goucha”, promoted by the Guarda Rios collective, will focus on river ecology and the relationship between society and nature.

A guided night visit is also scheduled for 25 April from 21:00, dedicated to observing nocturnal species. All flora and fauna observations should be recorded via the iNaturalist app on the project page dedicated to Alpiarça.

Alpiarça’s participation in this initiative reinforces the promotion of citizen science, engaging the community in monitoring, valuing, and conserving local biodiversity.

CESAM participates in this event through the collaboration of Ana Cerveira (RG4), namely in the organisation, coordination of activities (such as small mammal observation), and the delivery of guided visits.

Programme available here.