The Albufera of Valencia is much more than a lagoon surrounded by rice fields. Beneath its seemingly uniform landscape lie small enclaves of great ecological value known as els ullals: veritable oases of clean water that maintain the balance of the ecosystem.
These natural springs, often unknown to the general public, are one of the most important features of the nature reserve, as they provide high-quality freshwater and serve as a refuge for species that have disappeared from other parts of the wetland.
What are ullals?
Ullals are underground water springs that emerge naturally in the Albufera marsh, forming small lagoons or pools of clear water
These springs:
- They maintain a constant flow of water
- They maintain a stable temperature throughout the year
- They create areas isolated from the rest of the system
Thanks to these characteristics, the ullals become veritable reservoirs of biodiversity, where the water remains in a much purer state than in the rest of the Albufera.
A key haven for biodiversity
The ullals are considered one of the best-preserved ecosystems within the nature reserve. Species that have disappeared from other areas due to pollution or environmental change survive here.
Among the most notable species are:
- The samaruc (Valencia hispanica)
- El fartet
- The European pond turtle
They are also home to unique aquatic vegetation, with freshwater habitats of great ecological value and protected plants that are not easily found elsewhere.
The quality and stability of the water mean that these areas serve as genuine natural refuges, where biodiversity can be safeguarded.
Location of the main ullals
The ullals are spread across various municipalities in the Albufera area, forming a network of small, interconnected ecosystems:
- Sueca: Ullal de Baldoví and Ullal dels Sants
- Albalat de la Ribera: Senillera, Mula, Mallorquí, Gras and les Ànimes
- Sollana: Ullal del Bolo
- Algemesí: Ullal de la Tancada
In total, it is estimated that there are around 50 ullals in the nature reserve, although many have disappeared or are in a state of disrepair.
The Ullal de Baldoví: a model of conservation
One of the most important and best-preserved ullals is the Ullal de Baldoví, located in the municipality of Sueca.
This site is notable for:
- Its central lagoon, covering approximately 0.45 hectares
- Depths reaching several metres
- A constant flow of clean water
Thanks to these conditions, it has become a key site for species conservation and a prime example of the restoration of natural habitats within the Albufera
Threats: a fragile balance
Despite their enormous ecological value, the ullals are in a precarious situation.
The main threats include:
- Agricultural land use and land conversion
- The overexploitation of aquifers
- Water pollution
- The presence of invasive species
During the 20th century, many ullals disappeared or shrank in size due to intensive land use, particularly in connection with rice cultivation.
Restoration and conservation projects
In recent years, various initiatives have been launched to restore these areas, such as the LIFE-Ullals Project, which focuses on restoring habitats and improving water quality.
Key actions include:
- Restoration of degraded springs
- Mejora del entorno natural
- Reintroduction of native species
Gracias a estos proyectos, algunos ullals han recuperado parte de su biodiversidad y vuelven a desempeñar su papel dentro del ecosistema.
Mucho más que pequeños manantiales
The ullals are not just water sources. They are the source of life in the Albufera.
They function as
- A source of clean water that feeds the system
- A refuge for endangered species
- An indicator of the ecosystem’s health
Without them, the Albufera would lose one of its most important elements and its ecological balance would be seriously affected.
Discovering the ullals from within
Visiting the Albufera gives you a better understanding of the importance of these areas. From the water, as you navigate between irrigation ditches and canals, you can get up close to these spots and understand their role within the landscape.
Because the Albufera isn’t just something to be observed; it’s something to be experienced.
And getting to know its ullals means discovering the origin of it all.
