On 8 November, 320 indigenous trees and shrubs were planted by students and rotary club members, supported by Silves Câmara President Rosa Palmer. This was the first step in creating a small, 100sqm, dense woodland where a new ecosystem could exist. In the centre of the forest is a learning space and adjacent is a small laboratory.

Student volunteers will care for the newly planted saplings until they are established. The students at the school will be able to observe the various development stages as the forest grows after using the Miyawaki principles of planting.


On 14 November the finishing touches were added after the planting of the two final Carvalho de Monchique oak trees by Deputy Camera President Luisa Conduto and Rotary District Governor Paulo de Taveira Sousa. The completion of this project by Silves Rotary club provides the school with a living environment to use as a source of inspiration and research as part of the saving the planet curriculum

Club President Jim Kennedy thanked all involved for the efforts in bringing this important project to completion with special thanks to Rainer Kroth who led the project from its inception. Silves council prepared the ground, Nutriverde Algar grew our plants and trees and Sonia Soares from Floresta Nativa advised on the planting. Thanks must also go to Porches International Rotary Club for their considerable financial support.


For further information about the Rotary Club of Silves and this project contact us using our email: MOC.rotarysilves@gmail.com or visit our website www.silvesrotaryclub.org