The nature reserve Parque Natural el Hondo - rewilding and nature restoration in Spain

El Parque Natural el Hondo is a protected wetland area between the municipalities of Crevillente and Elche in the Alicante region of Spain. Before the Middle Ages, this was a saltwater lagoon where the Río Vinalopó river flowed into the sea. Now it is a delimited wetland area a few kilometers inland from the coast. Several areas have been rehabilitated here to provide a better habitat for marine plants, fish and birds. The marbled duck has been released and a large area has been set aside to enhance its reproduction in the hope of achieving a viable population of this species, which is critically endangered in Spain and highly threatened throughout Europe.

The El Hondo Nature Reserve (El Fondo in Valencian) was created in 1988 and has the status of a Ramsar site, a wetland of particular importance for bird life and to which Spain has committed itself under the international Ramsar Convention to provide special protection. The park consists of many lagoons, the two largest of which are Levante (the eastern one) and Poniente (the western one) with 450 and 650 hectares respectively.

The area is designed so that fish, birds, insects and plants can thrive while giving the public the opportunity to see them.

In 2021, the public project Life Cerceta Pardilla (Marbled Duck Project - a collaboration between the environmental authorities and the University of Alicante) purchased a total of 55 hectares in this area from the private owners of the El Espigar estates. In 2024, they purchased the 90-hectare La Raca estate, creating a continuous area of ​​145 hectares to be used for the conservation of the marbled duck. This area has plants and water conditions that make it particularly suitable for this species. In addition, it is also one of the most important breeding areas in Europe for species such as the mallard, blue heron, avocet, mackerel tern, little tern and white-breasted plover.

Ten years ago, the marbled duck was extinct in this part of Spain. In 2015, 24 specimens were brought from other areas and released in El Hondo. Despite persistent efforts over several years to ensure reproduction, the population remains small. But the population is being closely monitored and there is still hope that it will grow and become strong enough to survive without human help.

Decking walkways have been made where needed to cross lagoons.

When El Hondo was protected in 1988, further development and destruction of nature were prevented. This was important enough in itself, but it has been a problem that the private owners of the land have been allowed to continue to run commercial activities. This has been harmful to plants, fish, birds and animals. Therefore, it was important for the environmental authorities to buy land in order to stop hunting birds and restore nature. In recent years, several canals and dams have been created that have made it possible to regulate the water level, maintain a sufficiently deep water table, remove invasive, alien species and plant vegetation that the birds need to survive. They have also turned dry land back into wetlands.

It will take a long time before the rehabilitation of nature in Parque Natural El Hondo manages to create a stable new ecological balance. In some areas, the removal of reed beds and other vegetation will have to continue indefinitely to prevent the wetland from regrowing and becoming unsuitable for bird species that need open water bodies.

In the fall, part of the wetland in the nature reserve is drained. This is necessary to remove alien, invasive plant species and prevent the area from growing back. When the work is complete, water is returned to the area.

Arrangements have been made to allow visitors to use the nature reserve without disturbing the birds or destroying their habitats. Paths and hiking trails have been created in and around the wetland so that you can see large parts of it, but since it is forbidden to go outside the paths, the birds have large areas where they can be undisturbed. In several places, nesting platforms or nesting boxes have been set up to support reproduction.

The marble duck is a species that is given special protection in the Parque Natural El Hondo nature reserve. An area of ​​145 hectares has been set aside where everything possible is being done to create the best possible habitat for this particular species. Many individuals have been released from other areas, but despite persistent efforts, there are still few specimens. Although you are not guaranteed to see one if you visit the park, this is one of the places in Spain where it is possible.

The shallow water provides good living conditions for many species of wading birds and seabirds. The photo shows a stilt walker.

There is a large population of little egrets in the reserve

Northern Shoveler

Eared Grabe

Sothøner i kamp er et vanlig syn om våren

A good supply of insects provides good conditions for swallows. The photo shows a Red Rumped swallow in flight.

Pied avoset in flight

The Glossy Ibis is a species that can be seen in large flocks in the autumn and winter. The photo shows a Glossy Ibis in flight.

The Glossy Ibis have beautiful colors, but will often look quite black due to the light.

Flamingos in flight. There is a large population of flamingos present in the reserve year-round.

Where there are birds and baby birds, there are also birds of prey. The Western Marsh Harrier can often be seen gliding over the terrain in search of food.

Several places in the area have shelters for bird watching. Here you can observe the birds without disturbing them. It is best to use binoculars or a camera with a telephoto lens, but you can also see birds with the naked eye. Sometimes the birds come very close.

Although the area is particularly well suited for observing birds, insects and plants, it is also nice to simply walk or cycle along the water and canals.

In the fall, large flocks of the admiral butterfly arrive at Parque Natural El Hondo.

Water nymphs and dragonflies are other insects you can see in El Hondo

A visit to Parque Natural El Hondo can provide a powerful natural experience. It is an impressive sight when large flocks of bronze eiders, flamingos, little egrets, avocets or stilt walkers take off from the water and make a few turns before landing again.

More excursions: www.turideer.com

Excursion of the week: Parque Natural El Hondo - rewilding and nature restoration in Spain - nature reserve - and when you are at it you can also visit https://www.turideer.com/post/laguna-rosa-saltvannsjø-i-torrevieja

Suitable for: everyone - including wheelchairs and prams

Length/duration: Optional - a round trip is approx.3 km long

Get there: Look for El Hondo in Google maps. It's close to Crevillente and Elche

#Spain #English #Wetland #Birds #Animals #Swamp #Hondo #Fondo #Crevillente #Elche #Rewilding #Natureresturation