Pardilhó, Estarreja 23-24 May - EB1 and 2 School in Pardilhó, Estarreja

On 23 and 24 May, students from Pardilhó in Portugal had the opportunity to spend two days in contact with nature, through the evocative itinerary arranged to visit the territories of the 6 Nautical Stations of the Ria de Aveiro, planned for them as part of the EU WeMED_NaTOUR project to be carried out within the national borders.

On the first day, the schoolchildren explored the rich aquatic and terrestrial environments of the lagoon complex that spreads over municipalities of Estarreja, Aveiro and Albergaria-a-Velha and observed the characteristics of the fauna and flora in BioRia. The importance of water and the interaction between human activities and nature were discussed during workshops.

The same morning, the students headed out to discover the heritage of Ovar tiles, an ancient decorative art form that is distinctive of the region's maritime history.

A visit to Torreira to learn more about the art of painting the typical 'moliceiros' boats found in Ria de Aveiro and surfskate activities in S. Jacinto kept the youngsters busy all afternoon.

The next day, the group of schoolchildren travelled to Barra by electric ferry to enjoy a guided tour of the lighthouse. They visited the Vagos Game Museum and also the glasswort plantations and oyster farm while on the electrical-solar powered boat trip.

Lastly, a guided tour of the Troncalhada eco-museum and the Aveiro salt pans highlighted the artisanal salt production methods and associated ecosystems.