People, trails and a shared purpose
As summer arrives, another season of volunteer activities comes to an end. Looking back, we can say that this was another semester marked by dedication, teamwork and the stories shared along the trails of the Rota Vicentina.
Between sunny and rainy days — sometimes very rainy — we were out on the trails, sleeves rolled up, taking care of the paths and ensuring that they remained in good condition for everyone. Always with the same purpose: preserving this territory and helping to keep it a special place for everyone who explores it.
17 activities. 121 participations. More than 148 km of trails cared for.
Since January 2026, and following the severe storms that affected the region, we carried out:
Throughout these activities, we worked across different areas of the Rota Vicentina, contributing to trail maintenance and to the preservation of the landscapes and natural values that make this territory such a special place.
The work carried out is not always visible to those who walk the trails. But it is present in every clean path, every maintained trail marker, every obstacle removed and every action that contributes to protecting the territory.
But what was this experience like?
The numbers help us understand the impact of these activities, but they don’t tell the whole story.
So, let’s hear from those who joined us out on the trails: meet some of the people who were part of this volunteer season and discover, in their own words, what brought them to participate, what they learned and what they are taking away from the experience.
Lucas: “It’s not just walking, it’s improving the trails for future walkers. Being in contact with nature gives me positive energy. Sharing knowledge with the Rota team and other volunteers is very enriching.“
Ben: “Volunteering with the RotaVicentinais an immensely rewarding experience.Not only do you get to walk the beautiful trails, but you also meet lovely people and feel as though you are making a small contribution to a worthy cause.”
José: “There is a lot of invisible work behind every well-maintained trail.” We should pay tribute to all the volunteers who, with dedication and a sense of purpose, make it possible for us to walk safely and enjoy nature.“
Madalena:“This was the first year I took part in volunteering, something I had wanted to do for a long time. A big thank you to the Rota Vicentina Association for all its commitment and dedication, and for all the wonderful moments shared during the different activities.“
Miguel: “A Rota volunteer is a true caretaker. Everything is done with a strong sense of responsibility, but also with great enjoyment and satisfaction. When you leave a place better than you found it, you know you are on the right path!”
Dave: “Ijoined tolearnabout the local issues with respect to pressure on theenvironment, andleave with a feeling that I was useful. Iwasn’t disappointed.“
Francisco: “These volunteer activities actively and visibly contribute to the maintenance of the trails and to reducing the pressures they face. They are also perfect opportunities to discover and explore the landscapes and natural values of the territory.”
Annemarie:“Withvolunteering for RotaVicentinayou learn about the area and get to know a lot of nice people. The maintenance hikesarealways fun!“
José Francisco: “Between the paths through the Alentejo, the sea air and all the nature, surrounded by wonderful people, we recharge our emotional batteries. We realised that the trail is many things and is not made only of magnificent landscapes.”
Thank you for being part of this journey!
We hope to see you again in autumn as we continue, step by step, to care for our trails and the landscape that inspires us so much.
And who knows? Maybe these stories will inspire even more people to join our volunteer community?
See you soon! 🌿
Team Rota Vicentina
Graduated in Landscape Architecture, she has always been connected to Nature. Leonor loves plants, music, crafts, drawing and walking. The Alentejo is your home.
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