Nature & Conservation in Andalucía
Saga Hosted Hotels
Wildlife conservation volunteering
This two-week itinerary lets you combine downtime with volunteering, so it’s a great choice if you’re looking to do some good while on holiday.
You’ll be helping at a local conservation project in the Laguna Primera de Palos, a private reserve that is part of Lagunas de Palos y las Madres Protected Site. Here you'll be planting trees and shrubs, keeping tabs on mammals and bird species, constructing nest boxes, and helping to repair and maintain the likes of bridges and fencing.
We’ve built in six visits over your fortnight stay, which means there’s plenty of time for R&R in between.
Activity 1: Eradication of invasive flora and tree plantation
Understand first-hand how invasive flora can harm environments when not kept under control. Plant some trees and shrubs before ensuring the area is clean and tidy to maintain this protected area and the nature within it.
Activity 2: Training on species of fauna to be found within the reserve / Bird count field work. Learn about the typical fauna of the Nature Reserve with a short training session before putting it all into practice with some fieldwork. You will help develop a census of the bird species around you and how they are dispersed, while also tracking what other mammals may have passed through.
Activity 3: Nest boxes
It's time to get creative with recycled materials to build bird boxes. With the lack of hollow trees and with issues caused by modern architecture, some species of birds are having trouble building nests. These new bird boxes will help birds and owls find a safe a suitable place to breed.
Activity 4: Maintenance works
Develop your practical skills or learn some new ones as you grow awareness of habitat management techniques. After some first-aid training, there will be different opportunities to help - no experience necessary. Fix some fencing, treat some boardwalk, or tend to the bridge repairs. Help maintain natural habitats to encourage wildlife in the area.
Activity 5: Bird counting
It's been a week since the census. Is there a change in migration? You'll repeat the census and examine the results.
Activity 6: Bird ringing
Participate in science and conservation today through the activity of Bird Ringing. Learn how to capture the birds with nets (this won't cause them any harm) and identify them by hand. All the data collected today will go towards further scientific and will be submitted to the SEO (the Spanish equivalent of the RSPB, a branch of Birdlife International). Take away some interesting facts and information that you may want to use in the future.
Including
Saga Host
Expert local guide
Welcome drink reception
Six included activities
All inclusive: All meals
Free bar open up to 12 hours a day
A weekly return shuttle service to Seville or Tavira, Portugal
International flights. Prices are based on return flights with British Airways from London Gatwick. Supplements may apply from other airports
Return transfers direct to your hotel
Overview
7 nights
El Rompido, Costa de la Luz, Spain
Multiple
All Inclusive
From £1,349 per person
Including optional travel insurance or a price reduction if not required
Holiday details
Food and drink
Enjoy buffet-style meals at the main El Olivo restaurant, or sample seafood specialities at the Dos Faros restaurant (extra charge, open during high season only). The stylish Noble Bar is the place to experiment with a large range of light snacks. The free bar is open 12 hour a day, serving local alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.
Entertainment
During your stay, enjoy the following programme of activities and entertainment from the hotel’s own team. Some activities may be at an extra charge and activities may change from time to time. Weekly live shows Botanical tours Spanish lessons Boating knot lessons (available seasonally) Tennis Paddle tennis Football Hiking Nordic walking Bicycle hire and golf are both available nearby (please ask in resort for details and prices).
Accommodation
All 298 air-conditioned bedrooms have a classic decor and a terrace or balcony. Saga guests have rooms with garden or side-sea views. Some rooms feature a bathroom with a walk-in shower.
Amenities
- Buffet-style restaurant
- À la carte restaurant (seasonal and extra charge)
- Bar / lounge
- Two outdoor swimming pools (one exclusively for adults)
- Indoor swimming pool
- Spa (extra charge)
- Shuttle to the beach (seasonal and extra charge)
- Pool towels
- Currency exchange
Holiday location
Local Area
El Rompido is a quiet Spanish fishing town set at the mouth of the Piedras River. There’s a string of cafes and restaurants lining the waterfront, and a small town square complete with traditional whitewashed church. Back at the hotel, guests can follow well signposted walks onto the protected nature reserve, where 14km of trails reveal beautiful marshlands, pine forests and shifting sand dunes.