HERDADE DOS LAGOS

Bioweine aus Portugal

Nature conservation

The cultivation of cereals during the years 1920-1970 caused severe erosion and impoverishment (almost sterilization) of the already barren acid slate/clay soils.

For 30 years we have been reversing this trend in the Valley of the Camels (Vale de Camelos) by building reservoirs and water retention basins. We are taking other paths by not burning off bushland and dry pastures, but by sustainably growing forest and fruit crops such as indigenous Mediterranean holm oaks, carob trees, olives, almonds, eucalyptus and grapes.

The natural pastures for the local merino sheep are improved by lime corrections and clover direct sowing.
With this diversity of cultures and the associated presence of humans and animals, the risk of periodic forest and bush fires can be reduced and brings life and work to the otherwise deserted landscape.

This created the conditions that Vale de Camelos now makes of the EU’s NATURA 2000 zones. Its purpose is the transnational protection of endangered wildlife and its natural habitats. The reservoir “Atafona” offers up to 1500 cranes a resting place in the winter quarter every year.

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