Alpiarça Wetland Restoration

WWT Consulting carried out a feasibility study and developed a concept design for wetland restoration and an interpretative plan for visitor facilities for Alpiarça City Hall. The proposed site was located within the floodplain of the Vale da Atela River and consisted of a disused quarry and landfill area, agricultural land and remnant wetland habitats.

A visit was undertaken to determine the topographical, ecological, hydrological, soil and water quality characterisitics of the site and the current access and audience profile of visitors to the region surrounding Alpiarça.

A phased plan was produced that outlined the restoration of the area to reedbed, wet woodland, open water and marsh wetland habitats. A five-day workshop on interpretation planning was conducted for Alpiarça City Hall staff to support the interpretative plan that provided guidance for the practical delivery of key stories and messages. The final concept plan identified how visitor facilities could be developed in stages as funding was secured.