Por María Izquierdo 
- The 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 areas, 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 Territorial 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 Natural Heritage Foundation, in various actions in the natural environment of the town’s reservoir.
The works will begin after obtaining the necessary administrative permits and the publication of the tender on the Public Sector Procurement Platform. It is expected that the execution of the works will last four months after these deadlines.
Background
In 2009, the Natural Heritage Foundation of Castilla y León carried out the project ‘Environmental Restoration and Conditioning of Public Use Infrastructures in Monteagudo de las Vicarías’. This project involved the commissioning of a series of public use facilities that have been heavily used by visitors to this natural area over the years. During this period, the City Council has been responsible for maintenance tasks.
With the aim of updating and improving existing infrastructures, the signed agreement proposes a deeper intervention in the public use area of the reservoir. The goal remains to highlight its natural richness 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, some of the existing infrastructures 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 layer of gravel. Finally, the parking area will be delimited by installing a wooden railing and horizontal posts, finishing the demarcation of the parking spaces with wooden curbs.
The other parking lot will be improved and adapted by replacing deteriorated fence sections and installing stone barriers in front of the railing to prevent cars from colliding. Regarding the existing wooden gazebo, the existing platform will be retained.
As for the observatory, the thatch concealment panel will be repaired, the walkway, beams, and other finishes will be varnished, and a thorough maintenance of the shelter will be carried out.
Additionally, 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 surrounding environment.
The new recreational area next to the reservoir’s fishing zone will cover around 1,000 square meters. To achieve this, preliminary clearing and profiling of the terrain will be carried out, followed by the addition of a gravel layer. Additionally, eight parking spaces, five rustic tables measuring two meters in length, with pine wood benches and seats, and a wooden gazebo measuring 10×3 meters will be provided.
Signage is another key aspect. In addition to replacing deteriorated elements, new signs will be installed, as well as beacons to mark the route from the town of Monteagudo de las Vicarías to the reservoir, and practical signage that will allow visitors to enjoy the environment.
Due to 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 water birds included in the List of Wild Species under Special Protection, such as the Western marsh harrier, herons, or common cranes. Likewise, some plant species of special interest, such as Senecio aurícula, can be found. Located in the Vicarías region, this reservoir is a draw for nature observation enthusiasts.
Birdwatching tourism
As a complement to these actions, the City Council of the town, with a planned investment of 130,000 euros, will develop a project aimed at positioning Monteagudo de las Vicarías as a reference destination for birdwatching tourism. The lagoon and its natural surroundings, an integral part of the Sorian ZEPA, present significant potential to attract birdwatching enthusiasts and experts, thanks to the rich biodiversity found in this protected area, as well as nature lovers who want to start birdwatching.
The project is a viable and sustainable alternative that will help in the economic development of the municipality and its fight against depopulation. Birdwatching attracts a tourist profile with a high level of commitment to environmental conservation and a genuine interest in nature. This type of tourism can generate significant income through the creation of suitable infrastructures, 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 of Unique Tourist Infrastructures in Natural Areas, an investment of over 4.3 million euros has been or will be made in a total of 13 actions.