Pet corner: How green was my valley?
Portugal Resident
Algarve’s latest attraction …. unbroken vistas of solar panels!
The Algarve not only boasts stretches of sunny golden beaches but lush countryside where residents and tourists can cool off with picnics and offer children a chance to see life as it really is. Amongst its latest attraction …. unbroken vistas of solar panels!
“There’s a problem with all new ideas and money-saving projects,” Jenny Clarke, president of APAA, has shaded her eyes against the autumn sun. “The problem with solar panels is that they are having a devastating effect on the wildlife and countryside in general.”
The Association for Protection of Animals Algarve has not only interests in domestic animals, feral cats, but also the indigenous wildlife that the Algarve supports.
“The animals and birds have marvellous ways of rejuvenating their numbers naturally, but with deliberate uprooting of the countryside, suddenly, there is a great problem for them to find alternative places to hunt for food and survive.” Money is at the root of the problem.
“People have land, they sell it, and they have to prosper, they too need to live!” Cheaper electricity is a huge attraction to us all. But the price may be higher than we all thought. There are many questions to be answered on the solar energy debate. “But one thing we know is that the lynx, deer, foxes, wild boar, hares, hedgehogs, the beautiful birds… are going to be the first on the ‘cost’ list.” Sad.
The United States have published papers on the ‘for and against’ solar energy with alarming results. Not all good. Extra sunglasses for the summer? Tour the ‘beautiful, natural, rolling Solar Panel Paradise’. A new Silicon Valley perhaps with a difference: visit in an electric safari jeep or off-roader, of course!
Dates for your diary
- Saturday, November 23: Dinner and Dance, Fonte da Pedra, Alcalar, 7.30pm. Swing and smooch with the Poor Man’s Band. Menu: Couverts, beef stew or ‘bacalhau com natas’ (codfish with cream), vegetarian pasta dish. Desserts, wine, beer, water and coffee. €27.50 members/€30 non-members. Book now.
- Thursday, December 12: Lunch at Recanto dos Mouros, Silves. Soup, lamb stew or pork in grape sauce, or ‘bacalhau/prawns com natas’ or vegetarian mushroom risotto. Dessert, coffee, wine, beer, water. €27.50 members/€30 non-members. Carmen Danen will be singing.
APAA’s charity shops are located in Alvor and Silves. Find items for the house, garden, patio and special pressies. Tote-bags, Christmas bargains, special treats. Don’t miss out on the homemade goodies: Jenny’s jams, preserves, pickles and marmalades; Jackie’s scrummy shortbread cookies (also at ‘Pop-Ups’).
All Association for Protection of Animals Algarve’s funds go to SNiP (Spaying & Neutering Programme) and abandoned animals.
Facebook auction: November 8-16 – Even if you only spend a few euros, it will help either APAA or Algarve Emporium Charity.
Contact: Help info.apaaportugal@gmail.com
Events info: events.apaaportugal@gmail.com
Emporium Facebook Auction: https://www.facebook.com/groups/594035701307971
By APAA
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