The Charcas del Cruce wetlands are located within the municipality of Castromocho, in the province of Palencia, and form part of the wetland system associated with the Canal de Castilla’s Campos branch. Their origin is directly linked to the construction and operation of this major hydraulic engineering project between the 18th and 19th centuries, which significantly altered the natural drainage of the area and fostered the development of permanent and seasonal wetlands.
Unlike other isolated ponds, the Charcas del Cruce form an interconnected lagoon system, with several bodies of water of varying sizes, surrounded by well-developed marsh vegetation. This structure fosters a high diversity of habitats in a pseudo-steppe cereal-growing environment, making the site a true ecological oasis.
Their environmental importance is especially highlighted by their role in bird migrations. The Charcas del Cruce have been the site of scientific ringing and monitoring campaigns carried out by the Global Nature Foundation within the framework of the LIFE Canal de Castilla project. These campaigns have documented the presence of species of great interest, such as the Aquatic Warbler, considered one of the most threatened birds in Europe and a global priority for conservation.
For the visitor, this set of wetlands offers a profound understanding of the Canal de Castilla as an ecological and cultural corridor, where history, water and biodiversity intertwine in an exceptional way in the heart of Tierra de Campos.
