We take care of
0.6 ha
land plot
Funchal Ecological Park
My Madeira Forest
We take care of a 0.6 ha land plot in the protected area of the Ecological Park of Madeira.
With the help of our amazing volunteers, we remove invasive species and plant Madeira’s endemic trees and shrubs - bringing the island’s ancient forest back to life.
We’ve been protecting Madeira’s natural treasures since 2024.
Thanks to this dedication, the Ecological Park of Funchal and the Townhall of Funchal invited us to become official partners. On 2 October 2025, we signed the collaboration protocol, and My Madeira Forest became official!
You can join us on our reforestation days
Help plant trees, remove harmful vegetation, and support us with a donation. Every action counts.
Why it matters?
Madeira is part of Macaronesia, a rare region of global biodiversity. During the Ice Ages, when most of Europe’s forests disappeared under ice, Madeira’s vegetation survived. What we see here today is a living relic of ancient forests that once covered the world.
But it’s fragile. If we lose it, it’s gone forever.
Part of Madeira’s Laurissilva forest (like in Fanal) is UNESCO World Heritage.
Madeira is also part of the Mediterranean Basin Biodiversity Hotspot, home to species found nowhere else, many of them endangered.
If you travel
Flying leaves a carbon footprint
CO2 emissions
that warm our planet and fuel extreme weather.
Example:
A return flight from
Berlin
to
Funchal
emits
1.222 kg CO2
per passenger
It would take 50-60 adult trees to offset this single trip.
What you can do:
Plant trees yourself or with friends
Offset your carbon footprint via large agencies
Support local environmental organisations
Join the effort of
MY
MADEIRA
FOREST
who are already planting and protecting Madeira’s forests
How you can help
We welcome volunteers and partners.
Right now we especially need support for:
Transport for volunteers
Garden knives
Chain saw, saws
Garden
gloves
Donate & make a difference
Your contribution directly supports reforestation, invasive plant removal, and educational activities in Madeira.
Donate now
What we do
We are currently removing several invasive plant species from the forest in order to help restore a healthier and more resilient ecosystem.
The species targeted include:
Acacia dealbata (Silver Wattle)
Acacia mearnsii (Black Wattle)
Acacia melanoxylon (Blackwood)
Cytisus scoparius (Scotch Broom)
Ulex europaeus (Gorse)
These species spread rapidly, outcompete native plants, and are highly flammable, increasing wildfire risks. After fires, they quickly recolonize, forming dense thickets that block native regeneration. Removing them allows a healthier, more diverse forest to grow, better adapted to the local environment and more resilient to fire.
We are planting native species that are essential for Madeira’s unique forest ecosystems.
These native plants play a vital role in maintaining the biodiversity and resilience of Madeira’s laurel forest. They provide food and shelter for endemic species, help conserve soil and water, and make the forest more resistant to erosion and fire. By planting them, we are supporting the recovery of a balanced, self-sustaining ecosystem.
What we plant
Laurel
(Laurus novocanariensis)
Pride of Madeira
(Echium candicans)
Madeira Marguerite Daisy
(Argyranthemum pinnatifidum)
Madeira Spurge
(Euphorbia mellifera)
Madeiran Mahogany
(Persea indica)
Stinkingwood
(Ocotea foetens)
Heather
(Erica arborea and Erica scoparia)
Partnership with Businesses
If your company is looking for a meaningful team activity in Madeira while contributing to the island’s unique natural heritage, we are here to help. We offer opportunities to join us on forest restoration and maintenance trips, combined with engaging workshops on biodiversity conservation and guided hikes through the picturesque trails of the Funchal Ecological Park.
Gallery
