The strict weather conditions of last winter have caused some damages on the islet of Vila Franca Campo, including the severe degradation of one of the footbridges.

The opened fissure was even endangering the special oceanographic conditions of the islet, for that reason the Regional Directorate for the Environment (DRA) has moved immediately ahead  with urgent works.

Therefore, the beginning of the regular trips to the Vila Franca do Campo islet of is postponed to June 12, Saturday.

The Vila Franca islet of may be visited all those who wish to visit as long as it does not exceed its capacity, which is set at 400 people per day.

This limit was stipulated by the DRA as a result of the scientific works that took into account the pressure that visitors make on the islet’s geology, flora and birdlife, and the lack of space to provide the best visiting conditions.

In addition, the works to remove invasive plants and replace the natural flora on this islet are also taking place. With this intervention, which is coordinated by the Portuguese Society for the Study of Birds and financed by the Government of the Azores and the European Commission through the LIFE + programme, it is expected to restore the necessary environmental conditions for the adequate nesting of seabirds.