Much More Than Trees is a regenerative forest project based in the heart of central Portugal, dedicated to restoring the natural heritage of the region by reintroducing native species such as chestnut (Castanea sativa) and oak (Quercus robur and Quercus pyrenaica), as well as other indigenous trees and shrubs. The initiative is built around the principle of creating a biodiverse, resilient landscape that not only benefits the ecosystem but also provides long-term social and environmental value.

The project's primary goal is to reverse the degradation of local forests by planting and nurturing tree species that are naturally adapted to the area’s climate and soil conditions. This approach emphasizes the value of native forests in regulating water cycles, preventing soil erosion, and creating habitats for a wide range of wildlife. By integrating local flora like holm oak (Quercus ilex), strawberry tree (Arbutus unedo), and European beech (Fagus sylvatica), the project aims to restore a mosaic of habitats that mimic the original forest structure, enhancing both the ecological function and the scenic beauty of the landscape.

A key aspect of the project involves systematically removing invasive vegetation—primarily non-native species such as eucalyptus and acacia, which have spread aggressively throughout the region. These species often outcompete native trees for water and nutrients, disrupt local ecosystems, and increase the risk of wildfires due to their fast growth and flammable nature. The removal process is done manually and without the use of herbicides or synthetic chemicals to ensure that the soil’s microbiome remains healthy and resilient. Instead, Much More Than Trees employs natural, regenerative techniques to restore soil fertility and improve its structure, allowing native trees to take root and thrive.

Another fundamental pillar of the project is to eliminate all usage of chemicals, including fertilizers and pesticides, favoring organic methods that work in harmony with natural processes. This chemical-free approach helps re-establish the delicate balance between the forest and its underground ecosystems, encouraging beneficial fungi, bacteria, and other soil organisms to regenerate and support plant growth. The end goal is to create a healthy, self-sustaining ecosystem where human intervention is minimized, and nature can reclaim its role as the primary steward of the land.

The project also emphasizes creating safe habitats for wildlife, such as installing nesting boxes for birds and bat roosts, leaving deadwood for insects and small mammals, and preserving natural water sources. These measures are crucial for providing food, shelter, and breeding grounds for a variety of native species, from small woodland birds and bats to larger animals like foxes and wild boar. By restoring these habitats, the project not only attracts more species back into the area but also enhances the entire food chain, promoting ecological resilience.

Much More Than Trees, however, faces challenges in expanding its efforts. The local community often views native forests as economically unproductive and prefers fast-growing, commercially viable species like eucalyptus for timber. This perception has made it difficult to secure additional fields for expanding the native forest. To address this, the project seeks to raise awareness about the long-term benefits of biodiverse, native forests, including improved water management, reduced fire risk, and enhanced landscape value. Acquiring more land is essential for scaling up the initiative, but it requires both financial resources and a shift in local attitudes towards valuing and protecting indigenous forests.

Despite these obstacles, the project remains committed to creating a living, dynamic forest ecosystem that stands as a model of regenerative land management. By demonstrating the ecological, social, and economic potential of native forests, Much More Than Trees hopes to inspire a wider movement toward landscape restoration and sustainability in Portugal and beyond.