Nature undoubtedly has the power to enhance one’s mood and elevate the spectrum of happiness. Being outside in nature makes you feel more alive and provides a greater sense of energy and vitality, which can help make you more resilient to illness. It’s not a surprise that studies highlight the transformative influence of outdoor settings on the health and well-being of seniors. Elderly people who frequent verdant and azure spaces experience amplified sensations of interconnectedness and rejuvenation.
Life Plan Resorts stands as the ultimate haven for vibrant ageing, offering an all-encompassing retirement resort experience. But its distinction goes beyond its exceptional amenities and services. Positioned within the serene embrace of a protected cork forest in Benavente, Europe’s foremost senior community finds its home in pure nature, nestled next to the expansive Tagus Estuary Natural Reserve – one of Europe’s most extensive wetlands.
Those forests visits can be topped with tranquil riverfront strolls, conveniently located just a 2.8-minute walk from Life Plan Resort. Here, you can bask in the same tranquillity of mind beautifully captured by John Muir: ‘And into the forest I go, to lose my mind and find my soul.’ The sunsets, in particular, cast a breathtaking spectacle. Trust us, it’s an atmosphere that fosters both inner peace and vibrant ageing. No matter the clutter within your mind, stepping outside into the fresh air, with the breeze against your face, restores clarity to your thoughts.
One of the richest ecosystems in the world
The cork oak forest stands as one of the planet’s most diverse ecosystems. Portugal boasts a remarkable 34 percent share of the global cork oak forest (montado) area, encompassing a sprawling 720 thousand hectares or 22 percent of the national forest cover.
The montado habitat, where the cork oak thrives, nurtures a tapestry of natural biodiversity, encompassing an array of wildlife, verdant grasslands, and a myriad of flora. This rich ecosystem hosts a diverse array of animal and plant species, interconnected in a delicate food chain centred around the cork oak. The significance of cork oak montados and woodlands for biodiversity preservation is underscored by their inclusion in the Natura 2000 Network. Remarkably, the montado remains one of the globe’s 36 biodiversity hotspots, standing in the league of the Amazon and Borneo.
The cork oak landscapes encircling Life Plan Resorts serve as a prime illustration of harmonizing conservation and progress to benefit both humanity and the environment. These landscapes support thriving biodiversity and traditional livelihood practices, while simultaneously playing a pivotal role in vital ecological processes such as water retention, soil conservation, and carbon sequestration.
Paradise for birds
The precious ecosystem that we gratefully call our home teems with a diverse array of plant and bird species. The lush forests and the encompassing expanse of the Tagus Estuary Wetlands provide nesting and nourishment grounds for a multitude of bird species, some of which hold protected status.
Our sprawling cork and oak forests, along with the Ribagolfe golf courses, collectively harbour over 45 bird species. When combined with the Tagus Estuary, patient observation reveals an extraordinary spectrum of avian life, ranging from the elegant Greater Flamingo to the striking Black-winged Kite, and from the dainty Squacco Heron to the captivating Little Bustard. Among the regularly sighted charismatic species are the enchanting Little Bittern, the majestic Bonelli’s Eagle, the elegant Western Swamphen, the graceful Collared Pratincole, the vibrant European Bee-eater, the melodious Eurasian Hoopoe, the striking Iberian Grey Shrike, the intelligent Iberian Magpie, the melodious Iberian Chiffchaff, and the vibrant Bluethroat. Remarkably, the compiled list of avifauna for the area encompasses more than 250 distinct species.
Residing within Life Plan Resorts grants you access to this idyllic natural haven right at your doorstep. We are confident that you’ll cross paths with a feathered friend or two on your daily strolls, forest jogs, Nordic walking excursions, or even while enjoying a round of golf. Simply stay attentive, and nature’s delights are bound to unfold before you.
P.S. We have recently received a delivery of 300 bird’s nests, prepared to be placed among the trees in our forest. We are enthusiastic about commencing this initiative, as these nests symbolize our dedication to nurturing the local ecosystem. Our environment is more than just a setting; it’s a fundamental aspect of our identity. Through sustainable practices, we are resolute in strengthening this relationship.
Sources:
APCOR, Associação Portuguesa de Cortiça, https://www.apcor.pt/en/montado/forest/
EVOA, www.birdingplaces.eu
