When it comes to getting out into Nature, Huelva has much more to offer than Doñana! Would you like to enjoy
one of Europe's most ecologically important wetlands, a short hop from the capital and with large breeding
colonies of protected bird species? The Odiel Estuary Salt Marshes offer you this and much more. If you find
yourself near Huelva, Punta Umbría, Aljaraque or Gibraleón, seize the chance to visit them.
Queen of the Tides
The Odiel Estuary Salt Marshes, situated South East of the city of Huelva, were formed by silt-deposition
processes at the mouths of the rivers Tinto and Odiel and are part of a complex estuary system. They contain
two nature reserves: "The Donkey Marshes" and "Enmedio Island".
Amongst the avian fauna one of the most remarkable species is the spatula; its breeding colony make up 30% of
the European population of this species. Other species commonly found are the grey heron and the purple heron;
the marsh harrier; the black stork; the glossy ibis; the crane; and flamingos, plus many more.
Its 7,000-hectares spread is the key tidal marsh area on the Andalusian coastline, and has been declared a
Biosphere Reserve, a RAMSAR Convention Wetland of International Importance and an Area of Outstanding Natural
Beauty of National Importance. These protective designations serve to preserve the uniquely adapted ecosystems
found there - whose survival, like that of the other wet areas, depends on the maintenance of a delicate water
balance and is therefore especially fragile.
The tidal action which redistributes silts and nutrients, on the one hand is what causes the marshy area to
expand (it's the only ecosystem which is doing so); and, on the other, it gives it great biological
potential. One of its special features are well-adapted plant species such as Dense-flowered cordgrass, which
spreads over wide areas of the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Birds, because their wings give them the run of the marsh, are the most prominent animal group in this area.
The Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is a well-established resting place on the migratory routes and place
to overwinter. It is well used by a multitude of basically coast-dwelling species and individual birds:
seagulls, terns, waders and egrets. It also plays an important biogeographical role in these species'
migration routes intimately connected with Doñana National Park.
Furthermore, it serves as a breeding ground for good-sized colonies of grey herons, anatid ducks and spatulas
which, combined with the presence of certain endangered species, has gained for it a high level of
international protection. There also exist other, lesser-known animal species - such as certain endangered
butterfly species. In the parts of the area of outstanding natural beauty with taller vegetation
(basically nut-bearing pines) there is one of the biggest chameleon colonies in southern Europe.
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