Quinta São Francisco

The history of Quinta de S. Francisco begins with Jaime de Magalhães Lima (1959-1936), an important writer, politician and intellectual from Aveiro, from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. In 1896 he inherited Quinta do Vale do Soão (in Eixo) from his father, but his great admiration for the thought of St. Francis of Assisi led him to rename it Quinta de S. Francisco.

More than just a name change, Jaime de Magalhães Lima, with a great spirit of innovation, profoundly transformed Quinta de S. Francisco into a unique space where nature and spirituality coexist harmoniously and where eucalyptus trees would play a very important role. In this space, in 1908, he built a house inspired by Franciscan principles and a chapel dedicated to the Quinta's patron saint.

In the first decade of the 20th century, he completed the planting of approximately 89 eucalyptus species, making the Quinta one of the largest eucalyptus arboretums outside of Australia. This intellectual went even further, conducting numerous experiments on the suitability, application, and economic profitability of the different planted species. Jaime de Magalhães Lima maintained his passion for nature and the forest until the end of his life, passing away in his natural refuge in 1936.

His natural legacy was preserved by his children and grandchildren until 1982, when Empresa de Celulose e Papel de Portugal, SA - Portucel (currently known as The Navigator Company) acquired the property, with the aim of protecting the valuable heritage and establishing a scientific research center (Portucel Research Center).

Between 1984 and 1987, new eucalyptus and conifer arboretums were planted under the direction of Engineer Dantas Barreto, further enriching the legacy of Jaime Magalhães Lima. In 1996, RAIZ - the Forest and Paper Research Institute - began operating, developing scientific work in both the forestry and technological fields.

Since then, RAIZ has ensured the conservation and promotion of Quinta de S. Francisco, a space that has recently undergone extensive improvements, including the installation of new species, restoration of natural habitats, and the creation of new paths and walkways, all contributing to improved visitation and promotion to the public, particularly the school community.

Quinta de S. Francisco stands out for its great biodiversity. In a forested area of only 14 hectares, the following coexist:

• More than 450 plant species

• More than 100 species of eucalyptus

• Hundreds of monumental trees of multiple species, mostly centuries old and large in size.

At Quinta de São Francisco, eucalyptus trees undoubtedly dominate the landscape, and their varied fragrances welcome visitors. Many of the species found here are unique to our country, such as *Eucalyptus risdonii*, *E. tenuirramis*, *E. muelleriana*, *E. viminalis* subsp. *cygnetensis*, and *E. obtusiflora *. Numerous exceptionally large specimens of various species exist, notably *Corymbia calophylla*, *Eucalyptus botryoides*, *E. smithii*, *E. ovata*, and *E. eugenioides* , which together contain the largest specimens in the country. The singularity of the eucalyptus arboretum was considered by Engineer Ernesto Goes to be "the most spectacular and significant" in Portugal.

Currently, this living museum boasts over 100 species and varieties of eucalyptus (Eucalyptus and Corymbia) , many of them remarkable for their age, rarity, or size within the country. However, many other forest species can be seen here, some native and others exotic, the latter coming from all corners of the world, from Australia to Canada and from Japan to Argentina.

Despite its small area, Quinta de S. Francisco presents a high variety of forest habitats, due to both the climate (between temperate and Mediterranean climates) and the local topography (between two slopes crossed by a central watercourse, a tributary of the Vouga River).

Other highlights of the Quinta include:

• The 108 species of vertebrates (birds, mammals, reptiles and amphibians) already identified in this area;

• The birdlife is especially rich with 71 identified bird species;

• Hundreds of insect species, most notably the largest insect in Europe, the stag beetle (Lucanus cervus);

• Presence of endemic or protected species, such as butcher's broom (Ruscus aculeatus) , protected by Annex V of the Habitats Directive;

• Numerous garden species, including papyrus, bamboo, and camellias, beautify the area surrounding the buildings;

• Diversity of forest habitats, ranging from riparian forest, deciduous forest, small coniferous arboretums and eucalyptus arboretum;

Quinta de São Francisco is a unique forest conservation area, rich in historical and natural heritage, and is managed by RAIZ. The preservation of the monumental arboretum at Quinta de São Francisco, through management measures that contribute to the conservation of natural values (biodiversity, habitats, genetic heritage, etc.), is a priority. The continuous inventory and monitoring of this site allows for planning and management focused on biodiversity, which includes the control of invasive plants, the ecological requalification or restoration of forest habitats, and the phytosanitary assessment of the many remarkable specimens. Other interventions aim at the accessibility and safety of this area, such as fuel management, repaving of paths, and maintenance of fire suppression systems.

On the other hand, it is also RAIZ's role to promote the natural heritage existing in Quinta de São Francisco, through awareness-raising, education and communication activities or projects such as the "Floresta do Saber", which has worked closely with the school community and other local and regional educational institutions. This project's primary objective is the dissemination of scientific knowledge about forests, including production forests, the importance of biodiversity, and the promotion of various forest-based bioproducts developed at RAIZ.

This is a project open to the entire community and has received tens of thousands of visitors over time, particularly students (from preschool to 12th grade), scouts, university students, business associations, private social solidarity institutions, leisure activity centers, among others.

There are many activities available at the Floresta do Saber, both in a forest setting and in a laboratory setting. All activities are free and only require prior registration on the Floresta do Saber website ( https://florestadosaber.pt/wp/ ), followed by confirmation of availability. Reading and accepting our visitor regulations (below) is recommended.

Botanical trails

Discover the species that inhabit Quinta de S. Francisco, explore its biodiversity, and be amazed by all the facts and curiosities we have to share. Quinta de S. Francisco offers five botanical trails with varying degrees of difficulty, as well as a range of support structures (walkways, directional, identification, and interpretive signage). It also has a leisure area with picnic tables.

Games at Quinta de São Francisco

Discover fun games and treasure hunts to explore and learn more about the Portuguese forest, particularly the Quinta de S. Francisco. With varying levels of difficulty and length, these games are suitable for playing in teams.

Scout camps

Quinta de São Francisco is a privileged location for scout camps (CNE or other groups), as it is a forested, enclosed, safe area with supporting infrastructure. Recently, RAIZ established a partnership with the CNE to facilitate contact and promotion of this space among the association's groups.

Exhibitions

Come and visit the exhibitions at the Floresta do Saber (in the former home of Jaime de Magalhães Lima). We always have 2 or 3 exhibitions about the forest, biodiversity or bioproducts.

Floresta do Saber Laboratory

A space that allows for small-scale experimental activities related to the forest and its bioproducts. There are more than twelve experiments available, involving microscopic observation of different wood cuts, paper recycling, or the extraction of photosynthetic pigments.

Multipurpose room for other activities

The auditorium at Floresta do Saber is a multi-purpose room with a maximum capacity of 70 people, suitable for lectures, presentations, or think tanks (spaces for debate and reflection open to the public).

Located just nine kilometers from Aveiro, take the opportunity to visit Quinta de S. Francisco and discover a biodiverse forest area that invites you for a stroll. Book your visit now by registering for visits via the link below or by email ( visitas.raiz@thenavigatorcompany.com ) or phone (234 920 130).

In addition to guided tours of the trails, Quinta de São Francisco also hosts various activities, specially designed and developed for younger audiences.

Just nine kilometers from Aveiro, take the opportunity to visit Quinta de S. Francisco, a tranquil setting that invites you to stroll. Book your visit now and discover this magnificent place.