Calpe goes back to nature

CALPE is marking International Wetlands Day with a community project at its iconic salt lake Las Salinas and celebrating the wildlife that inhabits the area.

The lake is a breeding ground for the migratory black winged stork – due back from Africa when the weather warms up; one of the world’s rarest seagulls, the Audouin gull pops by for a feed; and the water is also a feeding ground for flamingos.

Work is already underway to clear invasive species of plants from the area, construct a new bird-watching hide, and to build a walkway across the marsh area to give visitors a better view of the lake.

On Saturday February 2, people wanting to be involved are asked to gather at 10.30 for a series of activities to mark the international day, which actually falls on February 3.

The town hall has arranged entertainment for youngsters, including theatre groups bringing a message on how to help save the environment and the town hall biologist will outline the importance of the area and how to protect it. Volunteers will also be clearing broken glass from the northern end of the water.

Councillor Carole Saunders, a keen environmentalist, said: “Las Salinas are important because in the 30 years since they stopped farming salt, they have become a nature reserve.

“The lake is one of the most important ‘stop off stations’ for migratory birds on the east coast of Spain.”

Flamingos

People are familiar with the flamingos that wade across the waters. “They are there all year because the conditions are so good.”

Mrs Saunders said: “They don’t actually breed at Calpe because there is not enough land; flamingos do like privacy and space to breed – but they are happy to stop off with their young and feed on the micro-organisms which are in the water.

“It is always a sign of the good quality of the water. A new pump was installed two years ago and doping a good job pumping in sea water – there is plenty of fish and crustaceans in the lake which is why there are so many herons feeding on them.”

And she added: “The rare black winged stork does breed at Calpe; they get rather agitated if people get close to their nests. It is migratory and will return from Africa after the winter.

“We also have the Audouin gull; one of the rarest seagulls in the world feeding at the lake.”

For more details about International Wetlands Day in Calpe visit the town hall website or its Facebook page