Los Canchales reservoir, Reservoir in Spain

Los Canchales reservoir is a large body of water in Badajoz Province, Spain, constructed to store water for agricultural irrigation and domestic use across the region. It has irregular shorelines with shallow edges and deeper central areas, surrounded by open grassland, scattered shrubs, and flat terrain that slopes gently toward the water.

The reservoir was completed in 1991 and has served as critical infrastructure for water storage and agricultural support in the region since its construction. Over the decades, it has evolved from a purely functional facility into a place where recreation and nature conservation have become equally important to the community.

The reservoir is an integral part of local life, serving both practical needs and leisure activities for the surrounding communities. People gather here regularly to walk, fish, and observe nature, making it a gathering place that reflects the relationship between agriculture and natural spaces.

A dirt track of just over 20 km runs the full perimeter of the reservoir along its maximum flood level, giving access to several viewpoints over the birds' nesting sites. The nearest villages are La Garrovilla, Montijo and Lácara, and the Los Canchales Interpretation Centre stands beside the dam. The ground can be soft after rain, so sturdy shoes help.

The reservoir's shallowness, flooded patches, artificial islets and aquatic vegetation draw the birds. A dirt track of just over 20 km follows the maximum flood line around the whole perimeter, passing viewpoints over nesting sites. The Los Canchales Interpretation Centre stands beside the dam.