The unique work of nature...

26/05/2016
... that transformed an artificial pound in a perfect wonder: 




Shortly after our move from the city into this house, we find a special place really close to us,  which quickly became an extension of our backyard, where we would go every evening with our dogs.




There are no signs leading you there and back when we first found it looked like an abandoned, nonetheless beautiful, place. I soon found out it was actually an artificial pond made by the Mines to pump water to the furnace. In the mid-twentieth century, the mining industry in this Valley gave employment to over a thousand people, in a very poor region. With the failure of the Mines came unemployment, emigration and the progressive destruction of the mining complex.

But this artificial pond, which began as an environmental dissonance, gained life and all the surrounding site has become a true biodiversity treasure, attracting a variety of species that can be observed there.

Recently, the place was integrated with the biodiversity program of Vila Real, and a Centre for Biodiversity was installed here, making it the  starting point for the discovery of plants, butterflies, amphibians, birds and dragonflies in the area.



4 comments:

  1. It's a beautiful place I can see why you were drawn to spending time there. I love how nature takes back that which man walks rough shod over, it never takes that long does it?

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    1. I love that too, and it's something that helps me to feel encouraged when thinking about how ruthless we humans can be to nature...

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  2. Anonymous30.5.16

    What a lovely place to have nearby and for your son to explore. I expect there's something new to discover each visit, even if it's just the different light on the water...

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    1. There is so much to discover, Lotta! My son loves it so much and I can't wait for him to explore the place quietly with me... for the time being, he has fun in an active, busy, loudly way (thus not the best conditions to appreciate all the biodiversity!). It is very much worth it nonetheless.

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