I cannot believe that it is almost two weeks since my last post - not sure where the time goes but we have been so busy with enquiries and bookings plus I am still going to the gym (see last blog) - the novelty has not worn off yet!
Last week I received an e-mail news letter from Flora and Fauna International of which I am a member, the main feature was promoting the use of cork stoppers in wine bottles in order to save the cork oak forests in Portugal. These forests are the main habitat for the Iberian lynx which is close to extinction. Personally I believe that while individual action is good it is the need to change the attitude of the government towards environment protection. There is only one National Park in Portugal that has full protection status that is the Penedes - Geres Park in the north most other parks have the status of 'natural' here the protection is much less and frequent encroachments by builders is common (as in the Algarve).
This government appears to be commited to installing wind turbines whereever it wants but I would have to question whether 3 wind turbines for example in one area is really making a contribution to the environment - I am thinking of Pico Alto in the Algarve where the habitat of some rare bee orchids has been totally destroyed for the installation of 3 turbines which due to a lack of wind are frequently motionless!!