ZEPA
The ZEPA zone of Ribera del Fresno, is located in the church Nuestra Señora de Gracia and its surroundings.
The species that is protected within the SPA is the lesser kestrel (Falco naumanni). The "lesser kestrel" is a small insectivorous falcon and assiduously linked, in the reproductive season, to urban and humanized environments. It breeds in holes in the walls, mechinals or under tiles of buildings in our cities, towns and rural areas.
It was declared a SPA for hosting a colony of about 20-25 pairs of lesser kestrels that breed in nests installed on the roof and tower of the building. The rest of the colony is distributed by several buildings in the old area that are covered with Arab tiles.
The ZEPA area has a primitive kestrel observatory that is located on the second floor of the Town Hall, about 15 - 20 meters from the church. This offers a perfect view of the roof and the two towers of the temple, with the possibility of observing and photographing the colony of lesser kestrel and other birds. In addition, as a didactic and informative support, the observatory has an exhibition of panels, models, ... in order for the visitor to become even more familiar with the species.
