As the number of homes in the Portman area increases there will be an additional need for water supplies. In addition, drought is forecast for this year and possibly next.
However, there may be something we can do about the opportunity.
The hills around Portman form a natural funnel for the collection of water. Aside from the major infusions during the rain season there are underground springs producing water year round.
Maybe the issue is Water Management rather than Water Shortage.
Shouldn't we be taking an active interest in promoting Water Management schemes?
Overflowing reservoirs is not a good sign, even during the rainy season. Conservation is the best defence against drought. Photo taken 10/04/07
100708 - Fire Hazard - They're back and cleaning up with a vengeance and significantly reducing the fire hazard. The pine forest looks better than ever. Great job!!
140608 - Fire Hazard - The guys did a great job trimming the pine forest helping the trees grow and reducing the danger of fire - or have they. They have left the trimmings to dry and have created a significant fire hazard. I would hate to see out beautiful pine forest reduced to ash - how appropriate for the Mount of Ashes. When will something be done to clean up this mess!!!
In Portman we are blessed to have Calblanque Regional Park right on out doorstep. Monte Cineza is covered with the beautiful green pines. One can see that at one time the forest was managed - trees trimmed and culled and some areas still show the signs of that past management.
Over the years of neglect the trees has resulted in overgrowth.
This makes the area a prime fire hazard in the dry season and especially in drought. Shouldn't we be taking an active interest in promoting Forest Management schemes?
The plan for the management of the La Chappa Battery may be found on this link. It takes a while to load as it is 257 pages.
The plan for the management of the Mar Menor region including the regeneration of the Portman Bay may be found on this link. It takes a while to load as it is 136 pages. However, it is in English.
There are a surprising number of herbs, fruits and vegetables which grow in the wild in and around Portman. The following list, and its associated information and names in Spanish, will grow as the seasons progress. It goes without saying that you are responsible for the use of any of this information. Some names are still questionable. More updates to come...
Side note: The rabbits and Javalin (a form of wild pig) feast on most of these plants.
Herbs
Rosemary
(Local name - Romero) - Grows in the wild in the area.
Thyme (Local name - Tomillo) - grows wild on the pine covered slopes of Cineza. Has a stronger odour than Oregano and is therefore used sparingly in dishes like rice.
Anise - grows wild all over Portman.
Fruits
Figs - (Fruit - Higo, Tree - Higuera) - several types.
Cactus
Fruit - Prickly Pear - (Hijo Chumbo or Higo de Palos - local
names) - best picked and chilled around July / August
when turning yellow. However, I have been told by the
locals that removing the flower in from the Chumbo early
on will produce a very large Chumbo by Christmas. Very refreshing.
Carob
(Tree - Algarrobo) - Native to the Mediterranean, when
dry (dark brown) the carob bean and seeds are ground and
used as a substitute for chocolate.
Olives (Local - Oliva) - A few scattered here and there
Vegetables
Asparagus
- (Plant -
Esparraguera)
grows wild in the area. Beautiful white blossom in late
summer. Shoots in Autumn.
Alcaparrones - may be harvested from bushes in the mountains and pickled in vinegar & salt
Alcaparas - may be harvested from bushes in the mountains and pickled in vinegar & salt
Mushrooms - several varieties growing wild in the pine covered mountains in the Autumn. Care should be taken when harvesting them as many are dangerous.
A
form of Spinach - Acerga (Local name) - used in salads.
Prepared like spinach - heat in warm water and salt for
5 minutes, serve with oil and vinegar.
Cerrjon
(Local name) - salad leaves. Eat like lettuce.
Flora
Candil
(Local name) for what looks like a carnivorous flower.
When picked and held upside down the flower looks like
an ancient oil lamp with protruding wick.
San Pedro (Local Name) - Flora with multiple colours.
Lavender
(Rabogato - Local name) grows wild in the area
Esparto
grass was exported to Rome to make fine cords
and paper.