Abrevadero de las Pocicas
Monte público nº 40 Sierra de la Pila • 30550 ABARÁN
Information
A Historical and Natural Heritage Site in the Sierra de la Pila
General Description
The Abrevadero de las Pocicas is a historic watering point located in the Sierra de la Pila Regional Park, within the municipality of Abarán (Region of Murcia, Spain). Nestled in a ravine in the northern part of the range—specifically in the area known as El Boquerón—this site has played a key role for centuries in livestock activity and in the conservation of local biodiversity.
Location and Surroundings
The watering place lies next to the ancient Cordel de las Pocicas, a traditional livestock route used by shepherds and herders during transhumance between towns such as Jumilla, Fortuna, and Molina de Segura. According to historical records, this drove road had a legal width of over 37 meters and formed part of an extensive network connecting different regions in southeastern Spain.
The surrounding natural environment, characterized by ravines, Mediterranean vegetation, and mid-mountain landscapes, makes this location an area of great ecological and scenic value within the Regional Park.
History and Traditional Uses
The watering trough takes advantage of a natural spring in the terrain, which allowed its use by local and transhumant herds since ancient times. It was already documented in the early 20th century in official records related to the demarcation of livestock routes, where it is described as an area of considerable size.
In addition to its livestock function, the presence of water enabled other traditional uses of the mountain’s resources. Nearby, there was once a distillery used to extract essential oils from aromatic plants such as rosemary and thyme, which operated for some years during the early 1970s.
Ecological Importance
Today, the Abrevadero de las Pocicas is a key site for wildlife in the Sierra de la Pila. Numerous species come here to drink, hunt, or reproduce, making it especially important for amphibians, which find suitable conditions for their life cycle.
This small mountain wetland therefore acts as a biodiversity refuge in an environment where water is scarce and highly valuable.
Restoration and Conservation
After years of neglect, the watering trough was restored in 2018 thanks to volunteer efforts led by the association Caramucel, Nature and History, in collaboration with local authorities. The work included cleaning accumulated sediment, restoring the structure of the trough, and improving the surrounding area, returning it to full functionality for both wildlife and heritage interpretation.
Oral Tradition and Cultural Heritage
The surroundings of the watering place are also linked to local folklore. According to oral tradition, this area is associated with a curious story about the famous bandit Jaime “El Barbudo.” It is said that a local resident used to shave him and that the bandit promised never to rob the people of the Sierra de la Pila. Ironically, his nickname (“the Bearded One”) came later, when he fled to the mountains, grew a long beard, and was given the name by other bandits.
Tourist Interest
Today, the Abrevadero de las Pocicas is a point of interest for hikers and nature lovers exploring the Sierra de la Pila. Its combination of history, landscape, and biodiversity makes it an ideal place to understand the relationship between humans and the natural environment over time.
Visiting this site offers the opportunity to discover not only a valuable ethnographic element but also an example of environmental restoration and rural heritage conservation.
