Management philosophy

As our management philosophy, for reasons partly to do with our respect for our ancestors’ memories, but also because we believe that this is the only way to contribute effectively to the sustained development of the region, we have put the emphasis on a long term strategy, sacrificing short term benefits, producing genuinely local, high quality products while preserving and improving the environment.

Right from the start our concern to develop a modern, exemplary farm led us to make significant investments in infrastructural elements, such as the five dams located at higher altitudes than the pastures, enabling water to be stored there in winter and then be used for gravity irrigation in summer, an irrigation system comprising moveable pipes and sprinklers, watered and dry land for pastures, fully fenced in, and a sheep-fold with picket fencing.

Livestock raising

In the estate’s cheese making facilities we produce a high quality sheep’s milk cheese, with a genuine flavour. Our cheese is one of the few artisanal alternatives to the more commonly found industrially produced sheep’s milk cheese. In addition, we also have a flock of about 100 goats which we have been using successfully to keep the forested areas clear of undergrowth. Elsewhere, unfortunately, this ancient method of cleaning undergrowth in forests is no longer used.

Forestry

Because we consider that the extraordinary beauty of the landscape, characterised by a huge swathe of green, to be one of the most important assets of both the parish and the municipality, the company has followed a policy of preserving and improving the forestry patrimony, putting a strong emphasis on respect for the environment and protection against fires.
The reforestation carried out during the eighties and nineties gave priority to the plantation of oaks in order to preserve the environment and the soil structure and was accompanied by the implementation of preventive measures such as the construction of forestry infrastructure (firebreaks and water point connections). Naturally, all of this investment in the improvement of the forested area has a relatively long pay-back period.

Tourism and Filming

The Vumba estate has unique conditions to welcome and host small groups, enabling them to enjoy nature and a rural lifestyle. Furthermore, the whole property may be isolated from the outer world, offering the ideal setting for film crews: peace of spirit, protection from any outside interference and a landscape without any traces of civilisation that is easily adaptable to any context.

Arganil Municipal Council






Adiber






São Martinho
da Cortiça
Parish Council