In Catalonia, for more than twenty years, the administration has ensured the conservation of the Montagu’s harrier (Circus pygargus). It is an endangered migratory bird of prey, typical of open landscapes and mostly breeds in cereal fields. The advance of the mowing period due to the use of new crop varieties means that many nests can be carved by harvesters. This is why in Catalonia it is compulsory to leave a quarter of cereal field hectare without mowing, in exchange for the peasants receiving compensation for their harvest loss.
In 2022, a group of local naturalists from the Limonium Natura association had the initiative to buy ripe barley from two fields where the Montagu’s harrier had nested, and make a special, unique beer to give to the farmers involved. With the aim of visualizing the species problems and with the idea, in the long run, of helping to finance measures for the protection of the Montagu’s harrier and its habitat, it was born Urpa, the nests saver beer.
Now, with the intention of visualizing the peasants commitment and the work carried out by the naturalists to conserve the species,the proposal to make a documentary about the origins and the most authentic history of this project arises. This way, with the hook of the harrier and Urpa it will be possible to show the alarming state of conservation of this species, as well as explain the challenge of birds conservation and the Ponent drylands biodiversity.
Various speakers related to the project will present the Urpa project and later you will be able to also visit their stand and help them protect the Montagu’s harrier by buying their beer.