Extensive shepherding, traditional exploitations

A flock of churra sheep moves along a track creating a huge cloud of dust. A Thekla lark flies off in fright.

Intensive farming and livestock rearing are replacing traditional exploitation which was more sustainable and respectful of the environment. The occupation of cattle tracks and the disappearance of fallow lands and boundaries decrease the yield of the land and reduce biodiversity as a result of intensive pesticide use. In addition, excess use of fertilisers can cause eutrophication of pools and slow-moving waters. As in the rest of Europe, Spain has seen an important drop in the number of winged insects which has serious consequences for the food chain and the pollination of certain plants.

Juan Varela, Biologist and naturalist painter