The Pico del Inglés observation point, situated in the municipality of Santa Cruz de Tenerife and one of the most frequented spots on the island, is gearing up to incorporate several new facilities, including a hide for birdwatching. This initiative is overseen by the Island Council with the intent of enhancing sustainability and tourism innovation within this natural environment of the Anaga massif.
The Tenerife Corporation has published a proposal in the Official Gazette of the Province (BOP) regarding the establishment of an island network aimed at improving infrastructures and equipment for this shelter at the Pico del Inglés observation point. The project carries a budget of €115,554, funded by European resources, and will now be made available for public consultation for a period of 20 days. If no objections or claims are submitted regarding its contents, it will subsequently be deemed approved.
The refuge, as specified in the documentation, is a tourist initiative included in Axis 1 of the Tenerife Reset programme, aimed at fostering ornithological tourism on the island, which necessitates dedicated infrastructure. The design encompasses a compact observation area featuring a walkway for access and a designated parking zone.
The document further emphasizes “the urgent necessity to revitalise this area considering the high volume of visitors, as well as its potential for birdwatching. The enhancement will also include equipment and signage, alongside improvements to the PR 2 trail and modifications to the car park at the entrance of the walkway, as there are currently no road markings or designated spots for individuals with reduced mobility.
The report highlights the poor state of the infrastructure, not merely due to inadequate upkeep but also owing to the neglected surroundings, which include a blocked pathway, the remnants of an old telecommunications antenna, and an abandoned dwelling. Thus, the actions proposed will focus on upgrading the viewing area and walkway with features such as paving, railings, and furniture to enhance accessibility; alongside setting up a station for a bird shelter and another for astrotourism (stargazing).
The proposal advocates for the removal of the existing antenna, the demolition of the current structures, and the refurbishment of the vacant and dilapidated house, a redevelopment in which the Santa Cruz City Council will play a role, utilising sustainable materials like rammed earth. Additionally, improvements to the section of the path leading down to Valleseco are suggested.
The project, spearheaded by Vázquez de Parga Arquitectos, underscores that the Pico del Inglés observation point, enveloped in laurel forest, warrants restoration due to having “substantial environmental deficiencies caused by human activities”. The location of the hide will be a small bench-platform structure, facilitating the observation of endemic Canary pigeon species, such as the turqué or rabiche, the common sparrowhawk, the common chaffinch, and the unicoloured swift, among other birds.
