A Rocha Portugal

A Rocha Portugal is a Christian conservation organisation founded in the Algarve in 1983 near the Ria de Alvor estuary, the original centre of what has since grown into A Rocha International, a movement now active in more than 20 countries. It is based at the Cruzinha field study centre in Mexilhoeira Grande, near Portimao, where its work in bird ringing and monitoring has run since the 1980s and contributed to the Ria de Alvor's designation as a Natura 2000 protected site. The organisation carries out environmental research, monitoring and field studies, alongside an environmental education programme for schools and local projects such as Entrelab. Visitors can stay at the Cruzinha centre, which offers dormitory-style and guest accommodation for volunteers, students and researchers, and the centre has previously opened its doors to the public for guided open days covering bird ringing and other field activities. Residents can get involved by volunteering at the Cruzinha centre, arranging a stay as a visitor or researcher, or supporting the organisation's conservation and education work. A Rocha Portugal can be reached by phone or email at its Cruzinha office near Portimao.