We have several activities available for groups that come to visit us:

Ringing

Participants may attend this scientific activity to understand the importance of migration; preservation and conservation of habitats used by birds during migration and the role of the Alvor Estuary in this process. Forms are provided to students so that they can record the ringing data.

Estimated time: 30 minutes.

Availability: This activity is possible all year round, except on very windy and rainy days.

Target audience: This activity is suitable for people of all levels of education, from nursery to university and for all types of groups.

Environmental Interpretation Centre

Visit the Exhibition Room where it is explained to participants, among other things, the importance of the Alvor Estuary, its different habitats, how they should be protected and maintained.

Estimated time needed: 30 minutes.

Availability: This activity is possible all year round.

Target audience: This activity is suitable for all levels of education and all types of groups.

Nature trail

We have a small nature trail around our centre. You can find different habitats, find out what species normally live there and understand the relationships that exist among them (ecosystems). We can also understand the process behind a phyto-treatment plant, an artificial lake, compost and an organic vegetable garden.

Estimated time needed: 2 hours.

Availability: This activity is possible all year round, except on rainy days.

Target audience: This activity is especially suitable for Year 8 students.

Walk to the Alvor Estuary

The Alvor Estuary is a 3 km hike from our centre. Binoculars and species identification charts are provided to the participants. The objective is to understand the role of the Alvor Estuary as a “service station” for migrating birds; how different birds adapt to the various habitats; the importance of the estuary for the different bird species and economic activities such harvesting shellfish.

Estimated time needed: 2 hours or more.

Availability: This activity is possible only from October to April.

Target audience: This activity is suitable for students from Year 5 through to university. Because of the long walk, this activity is not suited to all groups or participants.

Thematic activities

These activities need to be arranged between the school and A ROCHA in advance, as some of them need to be done at specific times of day or require special materials. These are some examples: identification of birds, night butterflies, aquatic macroinvertebrates, salt marsh plants, freshwater invertebrates, etc.

Estimated time needed: 2 hours or more.

Availability: This activity is possible only from October to April.

Target audience: These activities are suitable for Secondary School and Sixth Form students.

Identification of macro-invertebrates

This activity aims to help participants understand the different life cycles of invertebrates, their habitats, the types of food they eat and how they move. Participants can also identify within the large group of invertebrates which ones belong to the group of insects.

Estimated time needed: 2 hours or more.

Availability: This activity is possible only from October to March.

Target audience: This activity is suitable for nursery and primary school children.

Games and other activities

We have environmental games and activities, which are suitable for all levels of education. They need to be arranged in advance between the school and A ROCHA.

Estimated time needed: 30 minutes.

Availability: This activity is possible all year round, except on rainy days.

Target audience: Suitable for nursery, primary and secondary school students.

Presentations

We are available to visit schools to present the work we do, explain the importance of the Alvor Estuary and explore other previously agreed topics.

Target audience: Suitable for all levels of education.

We are also available to present our work in conferences, lectures and fairs.

Training courses

We run training activities for teachers and environmental educators. The aim is to raise awareness among the educational community of the importance of the Alvor Estuary and encourage behaviour change with respect to its protection and conservation.

Important information

So that we can offer the best experience to those who visit us, whether individuals, groups or classes, please contact us to book your visit in advance. Only then can we ensure that we have someone prepared to host the class or group.

So that we can host groups in the best possible conditions, we can only accept up to a maximum of 30 participants per group.

Activities aimed at schools are only available from September 15th to May 15th, in each school year.

As A ROCHA is a non-profit making association, we ask that each participant makes a donation. In the case of school groups, we suggest that each student  makes a € 2.50 donation. Teachers and helpers do not need to contribute.