Surrounded by montains and by the sea, with a big amount of subsoil water, the natural park of the Marjal de Pego-Oliva is a privileged spot to enjoy both the natural landscape and the fauna as well as the outstanding scenery of the traditional rice fields. In the Marjal, human activity is developed in harmony with nature.
A “marjal” is a humid lowland near the sea. There are some more marjales in the Mediterranean coast of Spain and Pego-Oliva is probably the most remarkable. The marjales receive much rain water. They are a stop point for many migratory birds, because of the abundance of food, and the soil is very rich in nutrients. The rice produced inside the park is sold, for instance by the company Pego Natura.
The director of the park, Joseba Rodríguez, unveils some of the clues to get the most from this fabulous location.
FCS: Is there any secret corner of the Park that made you fall in love in a special way?
JR: It is very difficult to stay with just one. Also, if it is secret, it should not be shared or would stop being secret :). It is actually difficult because I think they are more moments or experiences than specific places. La Marjal is full of beautiful corners, but sometimes, finding that corner, depends not only on the place, but also on the time… because the light is not always the same, or depends on the rains and the degree of flooding of the territory; It also depends on the season we are in, because it makes the colors of the landscape change. Sometimes a place makes you fall in love with the sound, the wind, the water or the song of a bird. Or because you are enchanted by the flight of a butterfly. A place becomes secret when you have a moment of reconnection with the environment that surrounds you.
I share some photographs taken in one of those moments, but I do not even remember which specific locations are they… (The pictures accompanying this post are provided by Joseba).
FCS: What should the visitor not miss under any circumstances?
JR: If you visit the Natural Park for the first time, you cannot miss visiting the surroundings of Muntanyeta Verda, from where one of the park’s routes begins, specifically, the Red Route. A route with a minimum difficulty of about 3.5 km that allows you to take a pleasant walk and observe the most characteristic landscapes of the park. Its rivers, “lluents” (little affluent) and rice fields. You can also continue the walk to the Font Salada. And at the other end of the park you can also visit the Bovar Observatory. You can find information on how to access and recommendations for the visit on our website:
http://www.parquesnaturales.gva.es/es/web/pn-marjal-de-pego-oliva/como-llegar
http://www.parquesnaturales.gva.es/es/web/pn-marjal-de-pego-oliva/recomendaciones-para-lavisit
Taking advantage of the visit to the Natural Park, you can also visit the municipalities of Pego and Oliva, where it is possible to complete the visit on the gastronomic and cultural parts.
FCS: What is the main challenge you have?
JR: The objective of any protected natural space is to preserve what it was protected for, be it plant species, animals or ecosystems, in terms of natural values and also, sometimes, also its associated cultural values. The challenge for each of us is to achieve this in this changing world and to deal with the threats that we already have, such as climate change. Therefore, our challenge is to preserve those values, bearing in mind that nature is not static and that the changes and pressures in the territory will continue to occur. The complexity is to achieve a balance between the uses of the territory and preserving its environmental quality.
The basic element of marshes and humid areas in general is water. Our Natural Park maintains an exceptional quality and quantity of water in the Mediterranean environment, our main challenge is to maintain that level.
FCS: Would you recommend another special place in your region to Folk Camp Spain readers?
JR: The Natural Park is located on the border between the provinces of Alicante and Valencia, and this entire territory is full of charming places, both in the south of Valencia and in the North of Alicante. In the area you can also visit the Montgó Natural Park, belonging to the municipalities of Denia and Jávea. But the visitor cannot stop visiting both the coast and the mountainous interior, observing the landscapes, tasting its gastronomy … It is a good territory to enjoy calmly, and of course, with respect.
Let’s not forget that we need nature and she needs us to treat her as she deserves. And remember that Summer is the time when there are many more people and when the heat tightens, so it is recommended to avoid hours of intense heat when visiting nature. Winter, spring and Autumn are much more pleasant seasons.
Thank you very much, Joseba and the team!
