Plaiaundi Ecological Park

The Plaiaundi Ecological Park is located in the area between Bidasoa River and the irrigation channel of Jaitzubia, in a setting with views to the Txingudi Bay, in full contact with the urban area of Irun.

Category: Future protected areas

Municipalities:

Gipuzkoa: Irun.

Information:

Txingudi Ekoetxea Interpretation Centre
Avenida Pierre Loti, s/n 20304 Irun
Phone/Fax: 943 619 389
E-mail: ekogarapen@terra.es

Services:

Nowadays, Plaiaundi is an internationally recognised area of significant naturalistic value. It is integrated into the "Txingudi" Special Protection Area for Birds (ZEPA) and the "Txingudi-Bidasoa" Site of Community Interest (SCI), having been proposed both spaces for integrating the European Network of Protected Areas called Natura 2000. Moreover, this space forms part of the Ramsar List of Wetlands of International Importance.

The park covers a surface of 24 ha. It has two inland ponds that are connected to the tidal rhythm through a sluicegate system, an intertidal beach and a freshwater pond.

The interpretation centre is located at the entrance of the park, where guided group visits are organised. If you want to visit the park on your own, there are 17 explanatory panels distributed along the 2-km route. Besides, Plaiaundi offers several spaces for bird watching.

Remarks

Guided visits to Plaiundi and the wetlands of Jaitzubia (Hondarribia) for groups and individuals by appointment at Txingudi Ekoetxea Interpretation Centre.

Fauna

This ecological park is, together with Urdaibai, one of the most important avifauna areas on the entire Basque coast. There are many the bird species that can be observed in Plaiaundi, but we have to stand out the number of wading birds, marsh birds and seabirds that use this area as a resting and feeding place during their migratory movements, their wintering period and, to a lesser extent, during their breeding season.

Their strategic situation between the sea and the mountain barrier of the Pyrenees contributes undoubtedly to the richness of species that frequent this location during the migration steps, turning Plaiaundi into a privileged place for watching numerous species.

Besides the birds, other groups of fauna find here a suitable habitat, being outstanding the presence of the Natterjack Toad, which has a population in the park that is isolated from the rest of its distribution area.

Flora

The ponds accommodate some alga species, such as green waterweed that float on the water surface, and some plants such as the seashore paspalum, whereas the borders are home to the cyperaceae.

The plants that can be found in the wetlands when the limes become clearly visible, are Zostera noltii and some Spartina alterniflora. The gramineae family covers the dry areas and favour the breeding and feeding of various animals, from insects to birds. Among the trees and shrubs, the presence of the tamarisk, the alder, the willow and the black poplar is remarkable.

Location and accomodations in the neighborhoods

Access: From Donostia/San Sebastián we take the N-I road towards Hendaia. If we follow the A-8 motorway we have to take the Hondarribia/Irun exit.

Public Transport: Plaiaundi is located in the Txingudi Bay in the mouth of Bidasoa River, very close to the town centre of Irun from where you can walk to the park.

Car Park: There are parking spaces for cars and buses next to the Txingudi Ekoetxea Interpretation Centre, which is located at the entrance of the park.