Acquired in 2010, Mata de Vilar is the largest patch of native forest in the municipality of Lousada. Its richness, uniqueness and management have earned it international certification as a Forest of High Conservation Value by the FSC®. This forest is also a unique place because of all the memories that link it to the community, with over a century of stories.

In 2018, restoration efforts began with a view to enhancing the region's natural and socio-cultural heritage, diversifying and complementing the tourist offer and raising public awareness and information about nature conservation and sustainability.

Today the area has an interpretive centre, an educational nursery, a future seed bank, a regular educational and entertainment programme, signposted trails, a sensory trail and various structures to promote biodiversity, delighting the community and those who come to visit the forest.