The Cabañas Pond, also known as the Cabañas de Castilla Pond, is located on the right bank of the Canal de Castilla, within the municipality of Osorno la Mayor, very close to the village of Las Cabañas. With an approximate area of 2.5 hectares, this semi-permanent wetland is part of a network of lagoons associated with the canal, created by its hydraulic flow and the drainage systems linked to the infrastructure.
The lagoon has an almost triangular shape, bordered by two drainage channels, with some land emerging within the flooded perimeter. A row of poplar trees visually separates it from the channel, while other poplar groves and gentle agricultural rises enclose the visual basin, creating a serene and well-defined landscape. It is fed by a short stream or canal, which allows it to retain water for much of the year, although it can dry up during prolonged periods of drought.
The continuous presence of water fosters a rich aquatic and marsh vegetation, with extensive reedbeds, rushes, and plant communities typical of calcareous waters, some of which are of particular interest. This plant diversity supports a remarkable fauna, especially waterfowl and birds of prey.
The Charca de Cabañas is listed as a Wetland of Special Interest and forms part of the Special Area of Conservation (SAC) and Special Protection Area (SPA) “Lagunas del Canal de Castilla”, within the Natura 2000 Network, with a specific management plan. Its conservation status is, in general, good, although risks linked to desiccation and nearby agricultural practices have been identified.
For visitors, this area offers a unique experience of the Canal de Castilla: a natural space where water, vegetation, and wildlife blend seamlessly into the agricultural landscape. A stroll along the towpath allows you to observe the lagoon, enjoy watching the birds in flight, and understand how the canal, in addition to being a historical infrastructure, has given rise to valuable ecosystems of great environmental and scenic interest.
