Epidemic-like, the Spanish are spreading their solar farms across the border into Portugal
The Spaniards’ focus on being ‘green’ and meeting target-zero has surpassed their expectations. Epidemic-like, spreading their solar farms across the border into Portugal, Dos Grados is one such example – a Spanish company pioneering the installation of 190,000 solar panels in the central region. “This sustainable energy development will be good for the Spanish. Sí, señor!”
Meanwhile, in sleepy Senhora do Verde, one project was halted “due to unstable weather and a severe blackout which was caused by an unsustainable overload on the electricity system across Iberia and Portugal”. Apparently, solar farms “are unable to deal with high fluctuations of use, blackouts and are vulnerable to cyber-attack”. Wind-changing, de-forestation, potentially a huge fire problem.
Battling on, the Association for Protection of Animals Algarve (APAA) continues, within their community, to cope with the increasingly estranged wildlife in the area. “I’m sure our cat-colonies will be badly affected. They rely on predictable areas to create their habitat and privacy.”
Jenny Clarke, president of APAA, visiting a colleague in a self-cultivated natural ‘oasis’ in the shadow of a solar-farm-to-be, noticed the influx of wildlife. “There’s been a gradual complexity to the migratory patterns; blackbirds and magpie (pega-azul) are gathering together amongst hoopoes and doves.”
The natural pecking order has meant having to change feeding patterns and nesting areas. A lot of straggling youngsters have apparently been left behind. “Food for the cats, not feral either. Irresistible force and nature combined.” The hedgehogs’ noticeably increased fatality due to decreasing scrubland.
Whilst Jenny tours the area to collect and deliver food, she has encountered Donna, a nearby neighbour, fraught with anxiety over her feathered chicken-friends having been attacked, heads removed. “She’s going to farm off the survivors. It’s been tragic clearing the poor creatures’ carcasses up.” But there is light at the end of the tunnel.
Donna came across a cat with the cat-flu which is dangerous – contagious Leukaemia in disguise. Vets can treat the younger felines, but prevention with vaccination is best. Unfortunately, euthanasia is the only alternative for older cats.
“Donna is looking into setting up a private colony for cats diagnosed with FeLV so that they are quarantined from healthy animals, having a happy end of life. We will, of course, support her and see how we can help.”
Busy ‘Here to Help’ APAA is looking for helping hands, volunteers from all aspects of life and age-groups. Make new friends, enjoy a good social life. New blood. New ideas.
Upcoming events
- Every second Sunday of the month: Ferragudo car-boot sales, 8am-12 noon.
- Monday, June 16: Final Pop-Up before autumn, at O Tasco restaurant, Senhora do Verde (near Portimão), 12 noon-3pm. Chicken piri-piri day!
- Charity shops at Alvor and Silves. Pop-in and buy. Clothing, bedding, books, jewellery, gifts, and much more. Take in your unwanted presents, household items, especially man-cave stuff.
- Please take note: Jackie’s cookies and Jenny’s jams, pickles and marmalades available at ‘Pop-Up’ events and charity shops, but not car-boot sales.
Contact: info.apaaportugal@gmail.com
By APAA
