Welcome to
Thkio Mosfilies
Thkio Mosfilies - Outdoor learning space
Located in the Famagusta district near the villages of Frenaros, Avgorou, and Vrysoulles, our 30,000 m² nature reserve is our first targeted effort to create and maintain a rich and diverse habitat that supports plants, insects, birds, and other wildlife as well as an outdoor education space for the local communities and beyond.
The reserve is divided into two parts: one already thriving with various flora species, and the other, currently being transformed into a diverse habitat featuring small ponds, a wildflower meadow, and native plants. Our mission is to create a natural sanctuary for wild birds and other wildlife and an outdoor education space which families and schools can visit, learn and interact with the natural world around them through our educational programmes, workshops and events.
With adequate funding, we hope to expand our nature reserve, further enhancing its capacity to protect wildlife and bring people closer to nature.
Visitor Facilities
Controlled access for the public is in development. Our aim is to create a welcoming and educational environment for all visitors. Currently in the works for the site are a circular trail, a wildlife pond, observation points, picnic area, meeting point, an herb garden and toilets which include a disabled access toilet.
These facilities are designed to make your visit enjoyable and informative, while promoting a deeper connection to nature and our conservation efforts. We look forward to welcoming you soon!
Our education programmes
We invite public and private schools from all over Cyprus to visit Thkio Mosfilies and help students connect with nature! Take your classroom outdoors to participate in our engaging and fun outdoor sessions, that provide to students direct, hands-on experiences in nature, offering them opportunities to explore what’s around them and become more mindful of nature. Thanks to funding from BirdLife International, we can currently offer a limited number of fully funded sessions at no cost and also partially cover bus expenses. For more information and to book a visit, please contact us at christia.alexandrou@birdlifecyprus.org.cy.
We offer a range of educational activities designed to engage and inspire:
‘Bug hunting’ educational programme: Students will have the opportunity to discover the fascinating world of terrestrial bugs, through hands-on, cooperative and creative activities. Find out more in the detailed description of the programme.
Treasure hunt: Details to be announced soon!
Family events: Families are welcome to our workshops and events, to spend time in nature and have fun. Interactive sessions include nest box building workshops, insect hotel creation, bird ringing demonstrations, scavenger hunts and many more. Thanks to funding from BirdLife International, we can currently offer a limited number of fully funded sessions at no cost. To stay up to date check our social media pages on Facebook and Instagram regularly or sign up to our newsletter.
Wildlife at Thkio Mosfilies
Thkio Mosfilies is home to a remarkable variety of Cyprus wildlife. Some of the species recorded at the reserve include:
- Birds: European Bee-eater, European Roller, Song Thrush, Common Nightingale, Golden Oriole, Common Quail, Black Francolin, Eurasian Blackcap, European Robin, Eurasian Wryneck, European Turtle Dove
- Mammals: European Hedgehog, Cyprus Spiny Mouse, Lesser white toothed Shrew, Red Fox
- Reptiles: Cyprus Whip Snake, Star Agama, Troodos Lizard
- Invertebrates: Praying mantis, Carpenter bee, Owlfly, Banded orb weaving spider, Green grass spider, Chameleon
- Plants: Various orchid species, typical maquis habitat (thyme, spiny burnet, wild asparagus), anemones, Cyclamens
Support our work
Support our mission to protect wildlife. There is always a need for funding to develop and maintain the site, and every little bit can make a difference. Your support is crucial to our efforts in creating a safe haven for wildlife and inspire the younger generations.
- Individual donations: Every contribution helps us enhance and expand our reserve. You can donate here.
- Corporate sponsorships: Partner with us to promote the long-term sustainability of our reserve. Please contact us at info@birdlifecyprus.org.cy to discuss ways of collaboration.
- Grant opportunities: We welcome funding from foundations and organizations committed to conservation.
What inspired this project?
The creation of Thkio Mosfilies drew inspiration from the success story of the Messina Straits in Italy, once a hotspot for illegal bird killing. Thanks to the efforts led by Christoph Hein and volunteers from NABU (BirdLife in Germany) and other conservation organisations, local attitudes transformed, and poaching significantly declined. We aspire to replicate this success in Cyprus, fostering a change in mindsets and hearts to protect our feathered friends.
This project would not have been possible without the continuous generous support of NABU, our BirdLife partner in Germany. We also thank BirdLife International and BirdLife Switzerland for their support.
Volunteering opportunities
Join us in making a difference. We need passionate volunteers to support our mission. Please fill in the form below, and we will contact you when opportunities arise.
Contact us
For more information, or to get involved, please contact us at markos.charalambides@birdlifecyprus.org.cy or call 22455072. Follow us on Facebook or Instagram for updates and news about our project.
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