TRADITIONAL DOVECOTES
Restoration and maintenance
The traditional dovecotes are an omnipresent rural icon in the region of Trás-os-Montes that dot the landscape, arousing the curiosity of those who travel this territory. These structures have a fundamental cultural, architectural and ecological value and their restoration and maintenance are essential to ensure the conservation of rural and natural heritage of this region. As part of its mission, Palombar has been promoting the restoration of rural architectural heritage, associating it with Nature and Biodiversity conservation. Our organization has already recovered and maintains hundreds of traditional dovecotes in the Northeast Transmontano region.
Traditional dovecote: a unique rural heritage
Traditional dovecotes are an emblematic heritage of the Trás-os-Montes region and are strongly associated with the rural community, which once used juvenile pigeons (young birds) for food, an additional source of protein for the locals. Pigeon manure, which is considered to have a high fertilizer value and is called "pombinho", was/is used to fertilize agricultural soils. Having many dovecotes was also synonymous with wealth. Dovecotes play a fundamental role in the socio-ecological system.
Traditional dovecote: a promoter of biodiversity
Traditional dovecotes are structures that contribute significantly to the promotion and conservation of biodiversity. Pigeons are part of the diet of several species of endangered birds of prey in Portugal, such as the Bonelli's eagle (Aquila fasciata), the goshawk (Accipiter gentilis) and the peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus), among others. Thus, they ensure the reproductive success of these species and the increase of their populations. These buildings are also a shelter for several species of wild fauna, including geckos, lizards, insects and garden dormice. Just as important as the recovery of these structures, is their repopulation with healthy pigeons and their maintenance and sanitary control, carried out by Palombar in all the dovecotes intervened.
How to contribute to the recovery of traditional dovecotes?
If you are the owner of traditional dovecotes and want to promote their restoration and conservation, fill out the form below. Palombar will evaluate the feasibility of each proposal and will seek to frame the restoration and maintenance of these structures within the scope of its actions, in partnership with the owners.
