The Fonte de Benemola is a natural spring surrounded by lush vegetation, even during the summer months. It is situated just a few miles outside of Loule in the central Algarve in Portugal and is one of the few protected places in the area. It really is a hidden gem for wildlife enthusiasts.

The stream is nestled among the hills and is lined with lush trees such as Ash, Cork Oak, Strawberry Tree and Willow and Giant Reeds grow on the banks. The hillsides of the valley are a mixture of scrub, maguis and fields and plants such as Mediterranean Buckthorn, Oleander, Bramble, Mediterranean Thyme, Fennel, Gorse and Carob.

The birdlife is quite varied; with Kingfishers, Blackcaps, Sardinian Warblers, Nightingales, Blackbirds and Bee-eaters occurring here. As many streams and ponds dry up in the Algarvian summer, the spring provides a refuge for Iberian frogs, Newts and Terrapins.

It was the variety of invertabrates that I found particularly impressive. Striped Shield Bugs, which were very striking, congregated on Umbelifers. Along the dirt paths and the stony dried-up banks, various species of wasps and grasshoppers could be observed. Along the stream Copper Demoiselles fluttered in and out of the dappled sunlight. Further up the hillside there were several patches of Thyme, which was mobbed by butterflies. Common Blue, Spanish Brown Argus, Small Copper and Sage Skipper were the most numerous. There were a handful of Clouded Yellows, a Wall Brown, a Swallowtail and several Southern Gatekeepers also feeding on the Thyme. Elsewhere there were Speckled Woods, Dusky Heaths, Meadow Browns and a False Ilex Hairstreak which preferred the dappled shade. I also observed some Red-underwing Skippers and Small Heaths fluttering among the scrub. There were a few Small Whites and a Cleopatra which patrolled the pathway. The highlight was the magnificent Two-tailed Pasha; a huge, brightly-coloured butterfly which was found feeding on a pile of dung!

Even if wildlife wasn’t the primary interest this spot was lovely for a stroll and the trees offered welcome shade in the searing midday heat.