Santoña, Victoria and Joyel Marshes Natural Park facts for kids

The Santoña, Victoria and Joyel Marshes Natural Park is a special area in Cantabria, Spain. It is a large estuary, which is where a river meets the sea. This park is protected as a natural park because it is one of the most important wetlands in northern Spain.

Wetlands are areas of land covered by water, like marshes, swamps, and bogs. This park is a very important place for many birds and fish. They use it as a safe home during winter or as a resting spot when they are migrating (traveling long distances).

The park was formed by the Asón River. It covers a huge area of 3,866 hectares. That's about 9,553 acres! The park spreads across several towns, including Argoños, Bárcena de Cicero, Colindres, Escalante, Laredo, Limpias, Noja, Santoña and Voto.

Panorama of the Santoña Marshes

What is a Natural Park?

A natural park is a special area that is protected by law. This means that its nature, animals, and plants are kept safe. The goal is to protect the environment while also allowing people to visit and enjoy it. Natural parks help keep important habitats safe for wildlife. They also let people learn about nature and enjoy outdoor activities.

Why are the Marshes Important?

The Santoña, Victoria and Joyel Marshes are very important for several reasons. They are a vital stop for many types of birds that travel long distances. These birds need safe places to rest and find food during their journeys.

A Home for Birds

Many different kinds of birds live in or visit the marshes. Some birds stay all year round, while others only come during certain seasons. For example, many birds from colder places fly south to the marshes for the winter. This makes the park a great place for birdwatching. You might see ducks, geese, herons, and many other water birds.

Fish and Other Animals

The marshes are also a home for many types of fish. The mix of fresh river water and salty sea water creates a unique environment. This allows different kinds of fish to thrive. These fish are also a food source for the birds that live in the park. Besides birds and fish, you can find other small animals and insects that depend on the wetland environment.

Protecting the Marshes

Because the Santoña Marshes are so important, they have special protections. One of these is being a Ramsar site. A Ramsar site is a wetland of international importance. This means it is recognized globally for its ecological value. The Santoña Marshes became a Ramsar site on October 4, 1994. This helps ensure the marshes are managed carefully to protect their natural beauty and wildlife for the future.

See also

In Spanish: Parque natural de las Marismas de Santoña, Victoria y Joyel para niños

• List of Ramsar sites in Spain