April 19 Free guided visit to see the birdlife in the Lagunas de Campotéjar

A unique wetland environment in the north of Molina de Segura

The Lagunas de Campotéjar in the north of the municipality of Molina de Segura are a series of five ponds which were originally created artificially and belonged to a wastewater treatment service, but over the years the manmade wetlands have evolved and become “naturalized”, acquiring great ecological and environmental significance.

This is one of three sites in Murcia affected by the international Ramsar Wetlands Convention which was signed in 1971, and the highly saline water of the five pools is favoured by endangered bird species including the marbled duck, or marbled teal (Marmaronetta angustirostris), and the white-headed duck (Oxyura leucocephala).

Also present in Campotéjar are the red-crested pochard duck – this is the only place in Murcia where the species nests – and some 70 other species, eleven of them water birds, and along with various species of reptiles and small mammals the birdlife attracts numerous visitors to the area all year round. A visitors’ centre and viewing points have been created to cater for these visitors.

This free guided visit on Sunday 19^th April begins at 9.30 when the coach party sets out from the bus stop on Avenida de Madrid in the centre of Molina de Segura, and includes sessions devoted to the typical salt marsh vegetation, the fauna, the origins of this unusual landscape feature, the conservation of wetlands and the importance of water as a fundamental resource to sustain life. There then follows a trip to the Rellano hostel and the Parque Vicente Blanes ecological reserve.

The coach is scheduled to arrive back in Molina at approximately 14.00.

Registration is free of charge through the regional tourist board website here and those joining in are advised to bring comfortable walking footwear, a cap, sunscreen and drinking water.

For more upcoming events in the Region of Murcia go to the What’s on section of Murcia Today.