Marismas del río Piedras y Flecha de nueva umbria, Special Protection Area and tidal marsh in Cartaya, Spain
Marismas del Río Piedras y Flecha de Nueva Umbría is a wetland complex covering roughly 2,400 hectares positioned between the Atlantic Ocean and the Piedras River. It consists of reed beds, shallow waters, and sediment formations that create habitat for diverse wildlife species.
The wetland was identified as a site of community importance in 1997 and designated a protected area in 2002. This recognition reflected growing awareness of the ecological value these marshes hold for the region.
The marshes support a way of life centered on harvesting shellfish and maintaining fish farms, activities that have shaped how local people relate to this landscape. These practices remain visible in the daily rhythms of the community today.
The marshes are accessible from El Rompido by following the HV411 road toward Cartaya or taking a boat from El Terrón port. Visit during low tide when more of the landscape becomes visible and easier to explore on foot.
Nueva Umbría is a sandy formation that actively grows each year, creating an ever-changing landscape along the coastline. Its 15-kilometer length and varying widths between 300 and 700 meters make it one of the coast's most dynamic natural features.
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