  Conservation Holidays
Welcome to our Conservation Holidays page - we will try to give you as much information here as possible, but please remember you can always contact us for more.
For a while in the Algarve, it was decided that eucalyptus plantations would be a good idea as it would generate employment and income from the world paper industries. It is now illegal to plant more eucalyptus plantations although the remaining ones will still be managed as along as commercially viable. Therefore, the reintroduction of plant and tree species native to the Algarve, such as cork oak, pine nut trees and medronho (the strawberry tree), is now being welcomed. Where there have once been eucalyptus the land has already been terraced, which means that in those areas, when planting the native species, they once again are situated in neat rows, layer upon layer very close together which presents problems with fire breaks. Many of you may have seen the fires on the news from 2006.
Our land and many areas surrounding are not terraced and so therefore enable us to clean and plant in a more natural way - by hand and with care!
Nearly all land cleaning is currently done by Caterpillar machines - not only noisy and expensive, they wreck plants and natural habitats for animals like grouse, partridge, wild boar, deer, rabbits and hares.) It is now been agreed that caterpillars may only clean horizontally on hillsides which is a step in the right direction as this prevents causing the gullies that wash away top soil when the winter rains come.
We pick small areas to clean by hand whilst creating minimal impact and maximum natural growing conditions. The picture showing the sticky bud bush (cystus, or rock rose) is what we are cleaning. It is an extremely viralant plant, which smells gorgeous and looks beautiful for 3/4 weeks in the year. Its the one that gives off that heady aroma of 'holiday' when you arrive here! HOWEVER... it is laden with sticky gum, which as the summer arrives, begins to crystalize and becomes highly flamable. For example the last fire near here in 2006 covered 9 kilometres in just under 40 minutes, across cystus clad hills. They are a choking species and greedy for every bit of nourishment from the soil. The only way to control them is to dig them out in small pockets. We are clearing around the existing cork oaks of which we have around 200. Plus, creating new space for the new growth from acorns.
We are also cleaning around medronho bushes. These are a beautiful verdant green bush which yield a small strawberry type fruit which on its own tastes pleasant but is rather more prized as the main ingredient for the ancient local 'moonshine;, called Medronha. Both species are now fully protected by the environment agency.
You can see from the pictures that corks fight back after fire as do medronho but careful nurture and conservation will greatly extend and enhance this area.
Another important area for conservation are the river beds and barregems (reservoirs). As it is still illegal to place any kind on machine into the riverbeds to clean them, this must also be done by hand. It is an old law that still stands. It is so important to do this as when our winter rains arrive they generally come with force causing rivers to swell dramatically overnight. If there are obstructions, this can cause huge amounts of pressure which will eventually give way and cause considerable damage down stream.
Join a growing number of people who recognize the need to preserve this beautiful area in the Algarve. To maintain original tree and plant species regardless of their commercial value. To truly value places of wilderness left in Europe and to make sure they remain for future generations.
...is just as important as the work, we feel. A chance to sit, play, swing in hammocks, listen to tunes, play table tennis, walk, play pool, swim in the lakes, cycle, or surf... is equally as important to you and us. All that Conscious-Earth has to offer is at your disposal. Why not try our wood burning sauna or kiwi style hot tubs after a long day? (You know we will!)
You will be staying in either our huge sioux TeePee, with raised wooden floor and comfortable mattressed beds, or our 120 year old stone round-house with wood burner. All you will need to bring is a sleeping bag!
We get loads of sunshine here that usually extends deep into the year and it's not unusual to still be in shorts and t-shirts well into November. Don't forget your suncream if you use it! Please bring adequate clothing for cold snaps or wet spells... it rains here, too!
Whether working or playing this is very important to us. We start with a hearty breakfast, lunch is at about 1:00pm. Either back at base or out in the field... then dinner is served at around 7:00pm. We can cater to veggies and meaties - just let us know. All plates and mugs n stuff provided... we all wash up together. (Hmmm... sounds like a song!)
This is our informal bar for refreshing cold beers and the like. Sometimes you can be served, but it mainly operates on an honesty box system.
Note : All fresh drinking water is from our spring and is therefore completely free!
Group minimum size is 6 people - maximum is 10. For any special requirements, just ask. Generally we like to keep groups to a maximum of 10 peeps but if you are planning a bigger or smaller group then chat to us. Most groups are a mixed bag of people from all over, but if you have a pre-arranged group then just chat to us - we are open to all dynamics of groups.
Airport Transfers can be arranged. There is also a good punctual train service from Faro to Silves where we can pick you up for free (depending on arrival times).
2007 weeks available :
- September - 10th to 17th
- October - 8th to 15th
- November - 5th to 12th
- December - t.b.a
- €400 for the week
(...about £280 based on 1.40 € to the £)
We try and organise weeks when the flights seem to be cheaper for those of you coming from the UK. We have had people here who flew from Bournemouth really cheaply, but you will have to look around to get the best deal.
We are well aware of the carbon footprint implications of flights, but please be assured you will be contributing to counter balance this effect - part of your fee goes towards purchasing new trees for our conservation weeks.
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