Nature & Conservation in Andalucía

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.