It is called the Wellbeing Forest, and that is exactly what it was designed for. On 22 February, 30 people gathered at the Egas Moniz Senior Residence, in Maçã, Sesimbra, to plant an island unlike any other — the first conceived specifically for the people who live there every day.
A total of 114 trees and shrubs of 23 native species were planted, plus 55 vegetable plants, forming a densely layered 50 m² forest. Among the species, two regional apple trees deserve a special mention: the Camoesa and the Pêro de Sesimbra, chosen for the forest's highest layer, a direct link to the agricultural identity of the region.
More than restoring soil or capturing carbon, this island has an explicit social purpose: creating shade, biodiversity and a place of connection with nature for the residents and staff of the institution, in a context where that contact is usually scarce.