San Fernando Nature
Bay of Cadiz nature reserve
This Nature Reserve is one of the principal wetland areas in southern
Europe. Covering 10.000 hectares it comprises an authentic labyrinth of
dunes, water channels, swampland and beaches. Its location, between the
neighbouring Doñana National Park and the Straits of Gibraltar
means that it is a fundamental part of the migratory system of a multitude
of seabirds, and indeed, it is classified as of international importance
in this respect. In the channels, not only birds seek refuge, but also
countless varieties of fish, molluscs and crustaceans. Its varied natural
vegetation includes salicornia, used by the salters to roast the fish
from the fish farms, giving it a totally unique flavour.
There is a whole network of trails criss-crossing the marshland and leading
to spots of outstanding natural beauty: the Rio Arillo Trail, the Punta
del Boqueron Trail and the Carrascon Trail. Bird-spotting is a particularly
favourite pastime along these trails. The ever-changing colour of the
various expanses of water is breathtaking and it is easy to appreciate
the astute distribution of the fish farm channels, which allow the water
to heat up and for some pre-evaporation to take place, before some is
finally channelled off into the salt flats proper, to evaporate entirely.
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