Quinta de Sao Pedro

Within the Quinta The real strength of the Quinta lies in the wealth of natural resources on site or nearby. Students of botany, zoology and geography will appreciate the Centre is located in a zone between the Atlantic climate of NW Europe and the Mediterranean climate to the South. That, and other influences (such as the River Tagus) result in an exceptional diversity of habitats.

The walled Quinta estate covers over 10 acres (4 hectares) and includes various soil types (clay, loam, coarse sand and gravel) supporting areas of macchia and garrigue, pine, eucalyptus and acacia groves, as well as dry and marshy meadows. Flowering annuals and perennials attract a rich diversity of insects, which in turn support reptiles, birds and small mammals. Local Areas Nearby are extensive sand dunes, and mature and regenerating pine forests, all in protected parks. Within an hour's drive is the Serra da Arrábida - a mountainous region of climax macchia. Close by is the fossil reef at Costa da Caparica - an escarpment packed with fish and invertebrate fossils. Students of human geography may be interested in the impact of tourism on this coastline. The Quinta offers you the facilities and accommodation, but you must bring your own teaching staff or group leaders.

Previous Projects Biology An Investigation into the Relationship between Ant and Aphid Infestation of Oleander. Foraging Behaviour and Population Densities in the House Mouse Mus spretus. The Biotic and Abiotic Influences on Butterfly distribution at the Biological Field Station Quinta de São Pedro. An Analysis of the Distribution of Morph Frequencies and Size Variation of Two Species of the Land Snail Cochlicella in Coastal and Mid-Portugal. An Investigation into the Distributions and Association between Plant Species. A Field Study into the Population Dynamics and Behaviour of Graphosoma italicum (the Striped Shield Bug). Estimations of Population Size and Migration in Grasshopper Species.

Geography The Management of an Exposed Coastline. A Comparison of a Natural Ecosphere and a Managed Cork Plantation. The Impact of Tourism on a Traditional Fishing Village. Urban Regeneration in the Port of Setúbal.