Protected Local Landscape of Fonte da Benémola

Category: Nature > Nature Reserve

District: Faro > Loulé > Mesquita > Fonte Benémola

Location

The Fonte da Benémola Local Protected Landscape is located in the area that gives it its name, Fonte Benémola, situated near the village of Mesquita, in the municipality of Loulé. This area stands out as a transitional landscape between the coast and the Algarve mountains, being part of the zone known as Barrocal. Its position offers a serene natural environment that contrasts with the region's more urbanized landscapes.

The Stream and Its Origin

One of the central elements of this place is the Fonte Benémola Stream, a watercourse that is a tributary of the Algibre Stream. Its particularity lies in the fact that it is fed by abundant springs, which ensures the presence of water in most of its bed throughout the year. This hydrological feature is notable in the Algarve landscape, where many watercourses are intermittent.

Flora and Fauna

The constant presence of water creates ideal conditions for the development of rich and diverse vegetation along the stream banks. This green exuberance attracts a wide variety of faunal species, making the site a point of interest for wildlife observation. In particular, the Protected Landscape is a welcoming habitat for various bird species, which find food and refuge here.

Traces of Human Presence

In addition to its natural beauty and biological richness, Fonte da Benémola is also a testament to the relationship between humans and the environment. In the landscape, it is possible to find agricultural fields that maintain their traditional characteristics. These areas, together with structures and systems associated with water management and use throughout history, such as small weirs or irrigation systems, reflect the heritage of local agricultural activity and the sustainable use of water resources.

License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt