NATURE

On and around the camp is a lot of nature. It is a joy to inhale and exhale deeply. It provides a variety of fields and forests and thus diversity in flora and fauna. The mild seaclimate makes everything grow abundantly. This can be experienced during the walks we have described of which start and finish at the campsite. There are also marked walks in the 3 protected natural areas and 2 nature parks nearby.

Fauna

There is a variety of fauna. There are many birds on and around the area such as hops, cuckoo, linnet, woodpecker, owl, tit, (night) swallow, nightingale, canary, the wagtail, robin, and various raptors. It is a sport to locate them.

The four legged friends will feel much less seen. Often you see tracks or hear rustle in the bushes. Sometimes you see a squirrel or sable. Especially the lower terraces can get the opportunity to see those. Hidden in the woods are animals like a fox, wild boar, lynx and rabbits. They hide better than us and are more scared of us.

At the camp you see quite some reptiles, insects and butterflies. All are more afraid of humans than vice versa, so if you want to see them, you sit still and wait. There are lizards (including the emerald lizard), fire salamanders, toads and small snakes. The insects, especially beetles and butterflies are very colorful.

Flora

Especially in the spring there are many wild flowers around, field flowers and flowers in the forest. The broom late April colors the environment yellow. Mixed with the purple heath gives a breathtaking view. The broom is used, until today, on the 1st of May, to scare away the evil spirits for a year. This is done by hanging the plant next to the doors and gates so that the devil doesn't dare to pass and enter.

Besides the fruit and nut trees on our land, our forest consists of mainly eucalyptus, oak and pine trees. Occasionally a huge holly and cork trees. After a rain shower the eucalyptus makes it outside smell as if you are in the sauna. The pine trees crack at a temperature above 30 C, when the apples open. The seeds fall out. They are a small sort of pinepips, but taste the samen (as our dog knows).

Cultivated land

The Minho is a very fertile region, as a result of the seaclimate, resulting in a micro-agricultural area. Between the woods and the sea, on the mountain slopes and in valleys, each family has a large vegetable garden, poultry and its own vineyard. Good for one year vinho verde wine. Previously one could also make money, but the legacy distribution among the children through the ages made the pieces of land so small that only the family itself can live from it. When the harvest is too much for the family they swob it with the neighbours and relatives..