Laguna Blanca

Laguna Blanca is located within the municipality of Villahermosa and marks the beginning of the Ruidera lagoon system. It is a wetland with a dynamic character, linked to the water collection of the Arroyo de la Nava stream and the hydrological functioning of a limestone landscape where surface water and underground springs have played a vital role. A visit here offers a different perspective of Ruidera: less monumental than the large central lagoons, but invaluable for understanding the origin of the system and the fragility of these ecosystems.

The surrounding area is notable for its marsh vegetation, with rushes and reedbeds providing refuge for various birds. Among the species that can be observed are the mallard, the marsh harrier, and the grey heron, making the lagoon an ideal spot for peaceful wildlife viewing. The light color of the area is due to the limestone and tufa formations, characteristic of the Lagunas de Ruidera Natural Park, a network of lagoons connected by natural barriers.

Laguna Blanca also holds historical and territorial significance. The surrounding area has been linked to settlement since prehistoric and Roman times, and by the Middle Ages it was already a well-known area, mentioned in the boundary demarcation of San Felices Castle. This relationship between water, roads, livestock grazing, and settlements helps explain why the smaller lagoons, even those that are now more seasonal or altered, were important features within the historical landscape of the Campo de Montiel region.