The Ulle Gorri Rural House stands out for its innovative permaculture project and edible bird forest, an initiative that seeks to reduce its guests' carbon footprint. Visitors will have the opportunity to learn about this project firsthand and participate in talks with a local ornithologist, paving the way for exciting birdwatching.
The trip includes days dedicated to birdwatching in the foothills of Gorbeia Natural Park, a Special Protection Area for Birds (SPA) where you can spot various rock and forest species in stunning landscapes, including the Nervión River canyon and its majestic waterfall. In addition to ornithology, the itinerary delves into local culture with guided tours of the town of Untza, its traditions, and emblematic spaces. The program culminates with an interpretive route through Gorbeia Natural Park, the largest in the Basque Country, allowing visitors to explore its trails and waterfalls and learn about the flora, fauna, and the customs of its inhabitants. It is an invitation to discover the essence of the Basque Country, combining adventure, learning, and respect for the environment.
Accommodation:
Ulle Gorri Rural House. Sustainable accommodation belonging to the exclusive Club Rusticae of charming accommodations. It is a beautiful traditional farmhouse renovated with antique materials with 4 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms. The open-plan lower area includes the kitchen and living room in a single space, a spacious living room with a fireplace, and a glass-enclosed porch for breakfast and a bird-watching area with spectacular views. The creation of an edible forest for birds is under development outside. The farmhouse is located in a privileged rural and natural setting, surrounded by three Natura 3 bird protection zones (SPAs) and in the foothills of the Gorbeia Natural Park.
Travel Guide
Specialist guide in Ornithology
Specialist guide in the interpretation of cultural and natural heritage
Food – Full-board: 2 breakfasts, 2 mountain lunches (hamaiketako), and 2 dinners (drinks not included). Breakfast and dinner are served in a family-friendly setting at the farmhouse, accompanied by the hosts and guides on the glass-enclosed porch. They are prepared with local, organic produce and with the support of nearby restaurants. Vegan and vegetarian diets are available upon request, with 7 days' notice.
Dinner at the Txoko. If the Txoko is available, you can enjoy a traditional dinner. This is a Basque social space where we gather to share a table and conversation. Dinner is prepared jointly by the participants, who share the cost of drinks.
Barbecue. Depending on the group's food needs and the weather forecast, a barbecue can be held at the farmhouse using local produce.
Domestic transport - With an electric Mercedes Evoto Tourer van to the entrance of the Gorbeia Natural Park for up to 8 people
Material to be used depending on the product:
Binoculars rental: €4
Others: Basic Schengen travel insurance
Information on municipal public transport routes and management is included to access the hamlet sustainably by public transport.
– From Bilbao city center by train to Orduña (47 min) and with a shared municipal taxi service with bus fares to the village (10 min)
– From Vitoria by bus to Izarra (25 min) and with a shared municipal taxi service with bus fares to the village (10 min)
Option: Book a taxi from Bilbao Airport/Vitoria Train Station to the farmhouse. (Not included in the price)
The Ulle Gorri Birding project is a unique and sustainable initiative that seeks to offer a unique tourist experience to travelers interested in birdwatching, while promoting biodiversity conservation and generating a positive impact on the local economy and community.
The creation of the edible bird forest, which began in 2024, a complex agroforestry system that mimics the architectural and functional structure of a natural forest, will not only offer a unique experience to travelers interested in birdwatching, but also enhance biodiversity and regenerate soils, with all the benefits this entails.
This design was developed following the ecological design principles of permaculture, a natural systems-based ecological design methodology to achieve regenerative solutions. It focuses on three core ethics (care for the earth, care for people, and fair distribution of surpluses) and uses universal design principles aligned with the SDGs of the 3 Agenda.
Based on these ethics and using several of their design principles, we ensure that our decisions are aligned with the SDGs determined in the 2030 Agenda, to design:
– Ecological, sustainable, and regenerative systems that are easy to maintain and have a significant impact on reducing the carbon footprint and creating heat island shelters.
– Systems that integrate plants, animals, buildings, people and community.
– Diverse, inclusive systems that respect the natural environment and people.
The project is expected to be completed by June 2025.
A stay at the Ulle Gorri Baserria Rural House is an active commitment to contributing to nature conservation. We obtained the European Union Ecolabel Certification in 2019, which demonstrates to our guests and travelers that our accommodation meets strict ecological criteria. We have also obtained SICTED certification since 2018, the Basque Country Tourism Code of Ethics since 2020, and we have been a member of the Spanish Ecotourism Association since 2021. The accommodation is part of the Basque Country Association of Agritourism and Rural Houses and the Rusticae Charming Accommodation Club. The farmhouse has electric chargers powered by solar panels installed on the farmhouse and renewable energy from biomass and aerothermal energy.
The bird sanctuary forest to be created represents a great opportunity as a carbon dioxide sink and an important tool for adaptation and combating climate change. It allows us to offset the carbon footprint left by travelers and guests when they visit us and participate in ecotourism activities with us. The project is expected to be completed by June 2025. Initially, it will be a small, newborn forest that will gradually become the soul of the Ulle Gorri Birding project.
The Ulle Gorri Birding project's mission is to generate a positive impact on the local community and the region's economy. By working with local ornithologists and ecotourism experts, we are supporting the local economy and promoting biodiversity conservation in the area.
In addition, we will offer environmental education workshops and activities for travelers, which can help raise awareness about the importance of conservation and sustainable tourism in the region.
The Ulle Gorri Travel Agency was conceived to complement our commitment to conservation and sustainability. We use a long Mercedes EVito Tourer electric van with a capacity for nine people for our trips around the area. All our itineraries are based on a commitment to environmental, social, and economic sustainability. We belong to the Spanish Ecotourism Association and the Association of Incoming Travel Agencies of the Basque Country. We were certified with the SICTED quality system until 9, when it was replaced by the Basque Government's Code of Ethics for Tourism. We are in the process of obtaining certification for the Urdaibai CETS (Certification of Sustainable Tourism) and are in the process of recruiting companies to the Natura 2018 Network for the Natural Parks of Valderejo, Izki, and Gorbeia.
Organic, locally sourced meals are prepared and served by the hosts and guides in a family-friendly setting on the glass-enclosed porch. Purchasing local products has a positive impact on nearby businesses and producers.
The birdwatching and natural and rural interpretation routes we offer in both the Gorbeia foothills and Urdaibai are focused on nature conservation and raising awareness about its protection. We educate our guests about the importance of biodiversity and provide them with tools so they can enjoy the environment responsibly.
Forest bathing, conducted by an FTHub-certified guide, not only benefits us individually but also contributes to the sustainability of the planet. We appreciate the biodiversity they harbor and understand their fundamental role in climate regulation and oxygen production. By becoming aware of the value of the forest, we become active stewards of this ecosystem. We commit to caring for and protecting the green spaces around us, both on our travels and in our daily lives.
