OUR PROGRAMME FOR BIRDWATCHERS AND OUR COMMITMENT TO THE NATURA 2000
NETWORK
What
is Natura 2000? www.natura2000tourism.eu
NATURA 2000 is a network of protected areas of
importance at the European level. Created with the intention of safeguarding
the richness of species and habitats which exist in Europe,
it guarantees the basic conditions for the development of animals and
plants with minimal human interference in all the Natura 2000 areas.
In Andalucia the Natura 2000 network hopes to add
a further 64 areas to those that already make up the Network of Natural
Protected areas (Red de Espacios Naturales Protegidos), which automatically
form part of this network. The areas which are relevant to Natura 2000
actually make up more than a third of the total area of Andalucia.
What does this mean for you as a visitor?
In whatever part of Andalucia you choose to spend your
holidays you will be near to a Natura 2000 area. But we hope that this
is not enough and that you would like to find out more about these protected
areas where you can enjoy the unique biodiversity of Andalucia.
The promoters of Rural Tourism have endeavoured to put
together some suggestions for you. If you would like more information
about these ideas please use the contact details in each case, or send
an email to natura2000@raar.es
OUR COMMITMENT AT THE POSADA DEL FRESNO
Ornithological tourism is becoming more and more widespread.
In the UK there are more than one and a half million birdwatchers. In
Spain, although numbers are fewer, the numbers of enthusiasts increases
daily.
The
Posada del Fresno, which is committed to the protection and conservation
of the natural environment, has been awarded the quality stamp of the
Parque Natural de Andalucía, and we also hope to be granted certification
as a business affiliated to the European Charter on Sustainable Tourism
(EUROPARC). At the same time we are marketing “Between the sky and
the earth”, a collaboration between the Natura 2000 network www.natura2000tourism.eu and the Andalucian network of rural accommodation (Red
Andaluza de Alojamientos Rurales). We, at the Posada del Fresno, mindful of the above, and being situated
in an area which is ideal for bird-watching, have decided, at the request
of our clients, to design visits which are adapted to the needs of bird
lovers. Charges for these are shown below.
We are situated in the Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park,
in a Natura 2000 area and in the Serrania de Ronda. We know that our
area is an excellent destination for bird-watching tourism as the habitats
for birds are attractive, varied and have sufficient seasonality etc.
Above all there is the protection and conservation of the habitats and
countryside which the current environmental legislation gives the area.
There are river valleys (the Guadiaro, the Guadares, and the Genal)
and the Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park, and we are close to the Sierra
de las Nieves (the sierra of the snows) and Las Alcornocales (the cork
oaks) Natural Parks.
We have designed programmes of environmental education
and understanding (walks, cultural itineraries, geology of the Karst,
groups, etc.) at the request of different groups and in accordance with
their wishes. The requests of our guests from home and abroad, attracted
by our mountains, our geological landmarks and our cultural and ethnographic heritage, have shaped our ideas.There is added value for the passionate birdwatcher for, in addition
to seeing and observing our birds, he can also see our scenery, our
monuments, our customs etc.
On the other hand, events such as Days of Emerging Tourism
in Ronda, recent ornithological publications about the area, the 30th anniversary of our Natural Park as a biosphere reserve, the public interest
in the exciting world of birds, the placing of Montejaque (Zone LIC
and ZEPA) in the Natura 2000 network (reference ES0000031) and belonging
to the European network of Natural Protected Spaces, have also made
us to wish to assist those clients who love to see the birds flying
free in their own habitats. The action plan for tourism in the Serrania
de Ronda provides for different observation facilities, viewpoints and
interpretive panels about the birds which can be spotted in our locality.
The Posada del Fresno, in the village of Montejaque,
is the ideal place to stay. From here you can go on foot or on short
car journeys to the places where you can observe the birds. The Posada
is small and has a warm, peaceful and intimate atmosphere. All rooms
are en suite. Meals are available and we can prepare picnics for your
days out. There is a sitting room with a library of information on the
birds, flora and fauna of the district, the Natural Parks etc., There
is an internet connection, TV-DVD, telephone, heating, patio etc. Above
all we work with the environment.
Programme for bird-watchers
Name
of programme: Flying
towards the infinite
Accommodation: POSADA DEL
FRESNO
Town:
Montejaque (Málaga) España.
Natura 2000 Network: Indicativo ES0000031
Zona LIC y ZEPA
Natural Park:
“Sierra de Grazalema”
Region:
Serranía de Ronda
Consultants: natura2000@raar.es
AIMS OF THE PROGRAMME
-
Promotion and dissemination of information about the Natura 2000 network
- Publicizing the habitats and places to see birds and ornithological routes in the Serrania de Ronda
- Understanding the georesources whilst bird-watching
- Fostering sustainable and responsible rural tourism within the environmen
- Showing the necessity for conservation and the biodiversity of the Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park
- Promotion of the geological heritage of Andalucia and its natural resources
Ornithological information
BIRDS
OF THE SIERRA DE GRAZALEMA NATURAL PARK AND THE SERRANIA DE RONDA
This is a region of great importance due to its closeness to the straits
of Gibraltar and the migration routes to the continent of Africa. It
is a specially protected area for birds. There are more birds than seems
possible and the list of birds which have been seen is extensive. Here
we show the species you may see and suggest the best times to see them.
Recommended periods for observation:
- Wintertime (from 15th October to 15th March): Thrush, blackbird, Alpine accentor,
siskin
-
Breeding
period:
Bonelli’s eagle (SEO-2005), short-toed
eagle, booted eagle, Imperial Spanish eagle, Egyptian vulture, Griffon vulture,
nighthawk, eagle owl.
Migratory periods pre / post breeding (spring and autumn): Black stork, raptors such
as harriers, honey buzzards and black kites
Some of the habitats which you may find
- Woodland: Cork oak, holm oak, gall oak, chestnut, and, at a distance, pinsapar
pine
- Rocky
areas: limestone, loams, sandstone
- Cultivated land: olives, market gardening, cereals, and legumes
- Rivers: the Guadiaro, Genal, Gaduares or Campobuche and their tributaries
- Scrubland: Rich and varied
- The village: the upper part of Montejaque is of Nazari origin
According to the season, clothing (a fleece and waterproofs)
and footwear suitable for the mountains should be worn. Binoculars, camera,
rucksack, water bottle, walking pole, hat etc. are essential.
For a better understanding of the region
Visits: Centre for the understanding
of pot-holing in Montejaque
This is an ecomusuem where you can see the world of the caves, our environment
– the karst – and can watch an audiovisual (DVD) presentation about the
geological inheritance of Andalucia (Patrimonio Geológico de Andalucía)(in
Spanish, English, French, German) in the projection room at the centre.
Information Centre for the Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park. An exhibition of the fauna and flora and their individual habitats.
A walk through the oldest part of Montejaque,
in the highest part of the village. It is of Nazari origin. Montejaque
was on the border of the kingdom of Granada. A pleasant walk.
Where to see birds in Montejaque
including some of the species of birds you may see
5 Birdwatching sites near to the Posada del Fresno
A car is unnecessary as it is possible to walk to these from the Posada.
These sites have easy access so that you can enjoy your bird-watching
with little effort.
- The Hundidero Cave: Grey heron, griffon vulture, Egyptian vulture, short-toed eagle, goshawk,
sparrowhawk, booted eagle, kestrel, moorhen
- Peñón del Mures: Egyptian vulture, eagle owl, peregrine, Bonelli’s eagle, black redstart,
redstart, black wheatear, rock thrush, jackdaw, crow
- Montejaque reservoir: Mallard, griffon vulture, little owl, wren, Thekla lark, bunting, meadow
pipit, pied wagtail, Egyptian vulture, house martin, Orphean warbler,
Sardinian warbler
- Walks in the high valleys: Griffon vulture, peregrine, Bonelli’s eagle, hoopoe, red partridge, owl,
woodlark, blue rock thrush, chaffinch, cirl bunting
- The Gaduares or Campobuche River: Woodcock, songthrush, white stork, common sandpiper, dove, wryneck, honey
buzzard, red kite, redstart, willow warbler, long-tailed tit, blue tit
5 sites a little further from the Posada
For these you will need a car and will then have to walk to the sites.
They are for those who have more time and who wish to combine walking
in the countryside with birdwatching.
- Guadiaro River: Kingfisher, spotless starling, grey heron, woodcock, song thrush, white
stork, common sandpiper, turtle dove, wryneck, honey buzzard, red kite,
redstart, willow warbler, long-tailed tit, blue tit, crow, great tit
- Llanos de Libar (source of Los Llanos y Saucillo): Griffon Vulture, peregrine, Bonelli’s eagle, hoopoe, red partridge,
little owl, woodlark, blue rock thrush, chaffinch, cirl bunting, shrike
- The Libar Path to the Escalereta de Benaoján: Great grey shrike, griffon vulture, peregrine, Bonelli’s eagle, hoopoe,
red partridge, little owl
- Mesa de Acinipo (Roman town- Ronda la Vieja): Red partridge, quail, black kite, griffon vulture, hen harrier, Montagu’s
harrier, buzzard, golden eagle, booted eagle, long-eared owl, dunnock,
spectacled warbler
- The reservoir at Zahara de la Sierra: Common cormorant, northern shoveler, osprey, grey heron, cattle egret,
peregrine, little ringed plover, kingfisher, golden oriole, Cetti’s warbler
Other
sites and routes are shown in the bibliography
- Carrasco, A. Sep. 2008: “Dónde ver Aves en la Serranía de Ronda”.
CEDER. Ronda
- Orni Tour S.L. 1999. “Aves del Parque Natural Sierra de Grazalema-
Guía de Identificación, Atlas de Distribución y Fenología”. CEDER
Serranía de Cádiz-Consejería de Medio Ambiente. 3ª edición 2008.
- Oñate García, Juan y otros. Nov. 2007, “Las Aves de la Serranía
de Ronda”. Editorial La Serranía. Ronda.
- Jones, Peter S.D. Birds of the Serranía of Ronda. A. Birdwatcher’s Paradise. A Systematic List. CIT Serranía de Ronda 2006
INFORMATION AND RESERVATIONS;
reservations:
50% deposit to be sent to the Posada del Fresno
There is a 5% discount if booked more than one month in advance
Payment in cash or by credit card
Posada del Fresno
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