Hundreds of bird boxes continue to be set up across the Algarve as part of the ‘Alojamento Local para Aves’ (Local Lodging for Birds) project.
Castro Marim has become the latest town to join the initiative, installing 35 boxes in the borough.
Developed by environmental association Vita Nativa and the regional board of Portuguese Institute of Nature and Forest Conservation (ICNF), the project aims to set up 2,000 bird boxes in the Algarve.
There are six different types of boxes, each with specific characteristics to attract different species – from smaller birds like great tits, hoopoes and starlings to owls and kestrels.
According to the team behind the project, the goal is to provide a safe spot for these birds to reproduce and also use them as natural pest control.
“We know it is impossible to eradicate pesticides, but we are certain that we can reduce the amount that is used and thus make ecosystems healthier and more sustainable,” said Vila Nativa when the project was announced.
Another goal is to get people involved and interested in monitoring the bird boxes.
Meanwhile, Faro parish union has announced that it is also setting up 50 bird boxes and shelters for insect pollinators at local gardens and parks.
The goal is to provide a safe spot for birds but also insects, like ladybirds, butterflies and hoverflies, to reproduce.
“These insects, as we all know, are fundamental to the pollination of plants and, consequently, are important to the balance of the ecosystem,” said Faro parish union president Bruno Lage.
