Eco-Wolf Trail – Station L – Gondomar Church (12/16)

At this station (as well as at Station D), the landscape is dominated by broom (Genista sp.), a native plant species widely distributed and capable of thriving in poor, acidic soils. Along this trail, between the villages of Bezeguimbra and Gondomar, there are dense scrublands dominated by tree-sized broom, over two meters tall, which in spring create an impressive natural spectacle when their yellow flowers cover the hillsides.

However, broom scrublands—dense stands dominated by broom—support low levels of fauna and flora diversity. Although they provide shelter for the wolf and other wildlife species, they do not offer suitable feeding conditions for the wolf’s natural prey (e.g. wild boar, roe deer, and red deer). In addition, broom scrublands present a high risk of wildfire spread and tend to expand following fire events.

Traditionally, broom was used by rural communities for various purposes, such as firewood, livestock feed, or as plant material for manure production. Furthermore, the presence of broom can benefit the soil, as its roots help prevent erosion by stabilizing the soil and improving its structure. Broom is also a nitrogen-fixing plant, enriching the soil with essential nutrients that promote fertility and benefit other plant species.

Proper management of broom, through cutting and selective thinning, is essential to control its spread, reduce wildfire risk, and enhance its ecological benefits.

Learn more: Mapa do Percurso e Projeto Trilho Eco-Lobo