Planerón Ornithological reserve

Situated 15 km. from Belchite, the El Planeron Ornithological Reserve, property of SEO/Birdlife, declared LIC, ZEPA and included in the Natura 2000 network, is an exceptional destination to discover the steppe areas. Travelling through this countryside means entering a landscape with ample horizons and spectacular chromatic tones that are more typical of areas in North Africa or Asia. Its more than 700 hectares house a rich ecosystem with plant species associated with saline and gypsum soils.

It is ideal for bird lovers, as a high density of steppe birds reside in this place.  We can highlight the existence of one of the larges populations of DuPont’s larks in the whole of Europe.  In breeding seasons, we can see species such as the Greater short-toed lark, the Black-eared wheatear, Black-bellied sandgrouse or the Stone curlew. During the cold season, it will not be strange to see large wintering flocks of species such as the Pin-tailed sandgrouse, Calandra Lark or the Lesser Short-toed Lark. Birds of prey, such as the Golden Eagle, Montagu’s Harrier, Hen Harrier and Western March Harrier, the Common Kestrel and the Little Owl, are also found.

The Reserve is perfectly organised for visitors, with its car park and viewpoint, a bird observatory, a restored farrowing pen that is used as a nature classroom and signposted itineraries.

SEO/Birdlife carries out different activities, which include the maintenance of the drinking pond, restoration of infrastructures that have suffered wear and tear, educational activities with schools, guided tours, scientific bird banding, research studies or the preparation of promotional material.

Another of the projects that the Reserve and SEO/Birdlife are associated with is the company, Rietvell, which, with the durum wheat from the steppe area of Belchite, produces organic pasta.

To visit the Reserve, it is advisable to visit the “Adolfo Aragües” Interpretation Centre of the Ebro Valley Steppes, first, located in Belchite.