Marismas de Sancti Petri

The tidal marsh of Sancti Petri, which is situated in Chiclana de la Frontera, to the south of the Bay of Cadiz and which forms a part of this natural park, is an area of high scenic value, given that is one of the few marshes that has not been altered by its use as a salt mine. In addition, the condition of the island and the existence of a large forest (Pinar del Coto de la Isleta) at higher grounds clearly contribute to an image of what the natural landscape of the Bay of Cadiz must have been like many years ago.

Given its strategic location, halfway between the Strait of Gibraltar and Doñana Natural/National Park, it is highly important for many water birds during their migration. This space is also one of the most characteristic and dynamic places in the interaction between sea and land ecosystems. It is very important because of the presence of many fish, birds and invertebrates.

The area is an excellent habitat for relaxation and nourishment for many aquatic birds, both in winter and during their migratory routes, and it plays a special role as a breeding ground for other bird species, mainly gulls and waders, and as a breeding and spawning ground for European South Atlantic populations of fish, crustaceans and molluscs .

Reproductive birds in this area include the yellow-legged gull, Kentish plover, pied avocet, black-winged stilt and little tern. Sedentary birds include the woodlark, white stork and zitting cisticola. These are all good reasons why the space has been declared a Special Protection Area for Birds.

In terms of plants, there is a great diversity of species that can adapt to the varying conditions of the area caused by the changes in the tide. Some of these species include the shrubby sea-blite or purslane, which are resistant to high salinity.