Sheep and goats maintain Algarve golf resort grounds naturally

At Amendoeira Golf Resort in Silves, a flock of 70 sheep and 20 goats owned by shepherd André Gonçalves grazes daily across the 270-hectare property, controlling weeds, brambles and undergrowth around its two golf courses. The arrangement, running for over a decade, cuts the resort's cleaning and wildfire-prevention costs while giving the shepherd free grazing land near his home. Resort staff say the practice began informally and now suits both sides, also reviving a pastoral tradition on land once used as a farm. The resort plans guided tours and a 2027 calendar featuring Algarve shepherds, with proceeds from a gala on 18 November going towards vets' costs.