The Tórtoles de Esgueva reservoir is located in the area known as “El Vallejo”. This reservoir is surrounded by various vineyards and cereal crops, has a long route through the Cerrato moorland and along the banks of the river Esgueva and its Mediterranean environment promotes the existence of a wide variety of flora and fauna.

With regard to the flora that inhabits it, we can find holm oaks and junipers whose vegetation is shrubby and herbaceous, among which we can find thyme, marjoram, sage, foxglove and a long etcetera. Focusing on the aquatic flora, microphytes develop, including reeds, rushes, bulrushes and reeds, and on the banks, large willows and poplars are the dominant species.

As for the fauna, a wide range of birds can be observed:

• Terrestrial: Crested larks, terrapins, stonechats.
• Aquatic: Mallards, little grebes, great sandpipers and great crested grebes, which receive migratory or wintering birds.

This reservoir was built in 1984 to irrigate 300 hectares of crops. Over time it has been used for other activities such as fishing and bird watching. Human bathing is prohibited.

This reservoir is part of the Sendero de la Morera y de los Valles, a 27 km circular route, starting and finishing in Tórtoles de Esgueva, which is fully cyclable.

TIPS FOR VISITORS

• Remember that you are in a natural environment, preserving it is everyone’s responsibility.
• Make sure that bathing and other sports are allowed.
• Respect the regulations in force at all times.