- Planned actions will continue to promote rural development through nature tourism and will focus on a emblematic location in the town, the Monteagudo de las Vicarías reservoir
- Observatories, viewpoints, parking lots, and signage will allow visitors to continue enjoying this unique natural environment declared a Special Protection Area for Birds (ZEPA)
- The Junta’s investment amounts to 120,000 euros, and as a complement, the City Council will invest 130,000 euros in a project for the development of birdwatching tourism
June 17, 2025
Castilla y León |
Ministry of Environment, Housing, and Land Planning
The Director General of Infrastructures and Environmental Sustainability, José Manuel Jiménez Blázquez, and the mayor of the town of Monteagudo de las Vicarías in Soria, Carlos González, signed a collaboration protocol this morning for an investment of 119,622 euros through the Patrimonio Natural Foundation in various actions in the natural surroundings of the town’s reservoir.
The works will begin after obtaining the necessary administrative permits and publishing the tender on the Public Sector Procurement Platform. Following these deadlines, the work is expected to last four months.
Background
In 2009, the Patrimonio Natural Foundation of Castilla y León carried out the project ‘Environmental restoration and conditioning of public use infrastructures in Monteagudo de las Vicarías’. This project provided a series of public use facilities that have been heavily used by visitors over the years. During this period, the City Council has been responsible for maintenance.
With the aim of updating and improving existing infrastructure, the signed agreement proposes a deeper intervention in the public use area of the reservoir. The goal remains to highlight its natural wealth and facilitate the coexistence between the species living there and nature tourists.
Works to be carried out
Several axes will be addressed. On one hand, existing infrastructure will be adapted and rehabilitated, and on the other, new attractions will be created.
The existing parking lot at the entrance will be updated through extensive clearing, leveling, and the addition of an artificial gravel layer. Finally, the parking area will be delimited by installing a wooden railing and horizontal posts, and finishing the parking spaces with wooden curbs.
The other parking lot will be improved and adapted by replacing deteriorated fence sections, and stone bumpers will be installed in front of the wooden railing to prevent cars from colliding. Regarding the existing wooden gazebo, the existing platform will be kept.
As for the observatory, the thatched hide panel will be repaired, the walkway, beams, and other finishes will be varnished, and extensive maintenance of the shelter will be carried out.
In addition, a new observatory measuring five meters long by 2.6 meters wide will be built, with a construction based on ceramic blocks and a wooden structure, similar to the existing one.
A new viewpoint-observatory, two meters long with non-slip flooring, will allow visitors to have a wide view of both the birds and the environment.
The new recreational area next to the reservoir’s fishing zone will cover approximately 1,000 square meters. For this, the terrain will be cleared and leveled before adding a gravel layer. Additionally, eight parking spaces, five rustic tables measuring two meters in length, with pine wood benches and seats, and a 10×3 meter wooden gazebo will be set up.
Signage is another key aspect. In addition to replacing deteriorated elements, new signs, beacons to mark the route from Monteagudo de las Vicarías to the reservoir, and practical signage that will allow visitors to enjoy the surroundings will be installed.
Given the natural importance of this area, and with the aim of improving and promoting the settlement of different species, nest boxes, perches, shelters, or an insect hotel will be installed throughout the public use area.
The reservoir
The Monteagudo de las Vicarías reservoir, of artificial origin, is one of the oldest in Spain. It hosts a diverse community of wintering and migratory waterbirds included in the List of Wild Species under Special Protection, such as the western marsh harrier, herons, or common cranes. Similarly, there are some plant species of special interest, such as Senecio auricula. Located in the heart of the Vicarías region, this reservoir is a draw for nature enthusiasts.
Birdwatching tourism
In addition to these actions, the City Council, with an expected investment of 130,000 euros, will develop a project to position Monteagudo de las Vicarías as a benchmark destination for birdwatching tourism. The lagoon and its natural surroundings, an integral part of the Soria ZEPA zone, have significant potential to attract birdwatching enthusiasts and experts, thanks to the rich biodiversity in this protected area, as well as nature lovers looking to start birdwatching.
The project is a viable and sustainable alternative that will contribute to the economic development of the municipality and its fight against depopulation. Birdwatching attracts a type of tourist highly committed to environmental conservation and genuinely interested in nature. This type of tourism can generate significant income through the creation of suitable infrastructure, the organization of related events and activities, and the provision of specialized services.
Investments in the province of Soria
In the province of Soria, within the framework of the Program for unique tourism infrastructures in natural areas, an investment of over 4.3 million euros has been or will be made in a total of 13 actions.