Nestled in the foothills of the Picos de Europa in Asturias, Wild Finca is demonstrating how nature can flourish when space is given to recover. Over the past eight years, the 13-hectare former dairy farm has been transformed from overgrazed pasture into a thriving mosaic of wildflower meadows, ponds, woodland edges and wildlife corridors, creating an important refuge for biodiversity in northern Spain. 

Rewilding in Green Spain

Founded by wildlife storytellers and conservationists Luke Massey and Katie Stacey, Wild Finca was established in 2018 with a vision to restore both the landscape and people's connection to nature. Situated within one of Spain's most biologically rich regions, the project demonstrates how smaller-scale rewilding initiatives can contribute to ecological recovery while complementing the wider natural landscapes of Asturias and the Picos de Europa.

What was once managed pasture has evolved into a diverse habitat supporting an extraordinary range of wildlife. Wild Finca has recorded more than 113 bird species and over 30 mammal species, including 16 species of bat, alongside reptiles, amphibians, invertebrates and native flora. Seasonal visitors include red-backed shrikes, European nightjars, woodcock and redwings, while resident wildlife ranges from roe deer and red squirrels to hedgehogs, salamanders and emerald lizards.

A Haven for Wildlife

The surrounding region is already recognised as one of Europe's most important wildlife destinations. Asturias is home to species such as the Cantabrian brown bear, Iberian wolf, Cantabrian chamois and a variety of birds of prey, including vultures and goshawks. By creating a patchwork of habitats and allowing natural processes to play a greater role, Wild Finca provides additional feeding, breeding and shelter opportunities for many species that move through the wider landscape.

The project's approach combines habitat restoration with careful land management. Rotational grazing systems, the protection of wildflower areas and the creation of ponds have encouraged increasing numbers of insects, amphibians and other wildlife. Recent years have seen growing populations of species including glow worms, wasp spiders, marbled newts and Iberian singing frogs, demonstrating the ecological benefits that can emerge when habitats are restored.

Connecting People with Nature

Alongside its conservation work, Wild Finca aims to inspire greater engagement with the natural world through educational resources, nature experiences and community outreach. The project is rooted in the belief that ecological restoration and human wellbeing are closely connected, encouraging visitors and followers to discover how even small spaces can support biodiversity and foster a deeper appreciation for nature. 

As interest in nature-based travel continues to grow, Wild Finca offers an inspiring example of how conservation, biodiversity and rural life can come together in the heart of Green Spain. While modest in scale, the project highlights the remarkable wildlife, landscapes and environmental initiatives that continue to shape Asturias as one of Spain's most distinctive nature destinations.

For all press enquiries contact Jessica Harvey Taylor on Jessica.harvey@tourspain.es or the Spanish Tourist Office’s PR agency LOTUS on spain@wearelotus.co.uk.

The programs, supported by European Next Generation funds, will introduce renewable energy systems, advanced water-saving technologies, and resource monitoring solutions. In the Canary Islands, €11.2 million will go toward cutting energy use and CO₂ emissions, while Catalonia’s €45 million plan focuses on ecological transition through efficient water management and sustainable upgrades in accommodations. Additionally, Valencia will invest €21 million in projects such as solar panel installations, and Asturias will dedicate €11.2 million to insulation improvements and energy optimisation.

These efforts underline Spain’s commitment to responsible tourism, ensuring its destinations remain competitive while protecting the country’s natural resources for future generations.

Ahead of travelling to Spain and its islands, visitors should check the requirements of the European Union’s new Entry/Exit System (EES) which is gradually being implemented across the destination: 

https://travel-europe.europa.eu/ees  

For all press enquiries contact Jessica Harvey Taylor on Jessica.harvey@tourspain.es or the Spanish Tourist Office’s PR agency LOTUS on spain@wearelotus.co.uk 

On Wednesday 29 November, in the presence of Spanish President, Pedro Sánchez, and King Felipe VI, a new high-speed line between Madrid and Oviedo will open in the northern region of Asturias, after 19 years’ work and an investment of €4,000 million. This will be a milestone in the region’s history, allowing for faster connection between Asturias and Madrid for both locals and visitors to Spain. 

The high-speed line has been made possible by the new 50-kilometre Pajares Bypass in the Cantabrian Mountains: access through this route, 80% of which runs in tunnels, will cut travel time between Asturias and the Spanish capital by over an hour. Initially the journey time between Madrid and Oviedo will take 3 hours 58 minutes. However, when Renfe begins operating new Talgo AVRIL trains, the journey will be cut down to 2 hours 43 minutes, with at least three trains per day operating on the new route. In comparison, the current journey between Madrid and Oviedo takes travellers around 4 hours 30 minutes. 

The high-speed train will run from Madrid to Pola de Lena, stopping at Segovia, Valladolid, Palencia and León. It will then run to Mieres, Ovideo and terminate at Gijón (although the last leg between Ovideo and Gijón will no longer be high-speed, sharing its track with the local Cercanías trains). Nevertheless, the new line is a landmark for the northern Spanish region and is already being warmly received by the local community: in advance of the first commercial trains on Thursday 30 November, Renfe has already sold more than 60,000 tickets. 

For more information on transport investments in Asturias, visit here

For more information on Asturias as a tourist destination, visit here

1. The Gijón Sound Festival

• When: April 20 – 23
• Where: Gijón
• What: The Gijon Sound Festival mixes many different styles of music including pop, rock, jazz, country, blues and focuses on participation and inclusivity while promoting a sustainable approach.

2. LEV Festival

• When: April 27 – 30
• Where: Gijón
• What: LEV festival celebrates its 17th year with four days of events in different areas of Gijón, with an impressive line-up of local, national and international artists in which concerts and audio-visual performances resound across the city.

3. Reggaeton Beach Festival

• When: July 01 - 02
• Where: Avilés
• What: Hip hop music is one of the great attractions in the musical and cultural summer of Asturias. Considered one of the largest hip hop music festivals held in Spain, this festival features performances by artists such as Justin Quiles, Kevin Roldán and Nicky Jam.

4. Boombastic: 

• When: July 20 - 22
• Where: La Morgal Llanera
• What: This eclectic festival is only a year old and provides room for different types and styles of music, ranging from hip hip to pop, from indie to electronic. This year the capacity has increased from 40,000 to 55,000.

5. The Tsunami Gijón: 

• When: July 27 - 29
• Where: Gijón
• What: The Tsunami festival offers punk-rock lovers a series of incredible concerts with an intense program of more than 35 bands which fill the Hermanos Castro Park.

6. Riverland Festival: 

• When: August 24 - 26
• Where: Arriondas
• What: The Riverland Festival, born in 2019, is one of the newest events on the cultural scene in Asturias for this spring-summer. It takes place on the banks of the river Sella in Asturias.

More information here