Biodiversity in Our Ecological Vineyard

This initiative forms the beginning of what we will call The Can Gelat Wildlife & Bird Observatory, a long-term effort to monitor and understand the fauna that shares the landscape with our vineyards, olive groves and Mediterranean garrigue.

At Can Gelat we see our estate as more than a place where wine is produced. It is a landscape where nature, agriculture and biodiversity form a living ecosystem.

Our vineyards, olive groves, beehives and Mediterranean garrigue are connected by the rhythms of the seasons.

This year we are starting a new initiative: a programme to monitor the development of birdlife on the estate.

We are doing this in collaboration with ornithologist Xavi Llabrés, one of the few licensed bird ringers on Mallorca.

During our walks through the estate it became immediately clear how rich the ecological potential of the landscape is — a mosaic of vineyards, old trees, garrigue vegetation and open spaces that together create habitat for many species.

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Our philosophy is based on regenerative agriculture.

This means that we do not only aim to produce wine, olive oil and honey, but also to strengthen the landscape that makes these products possible.

Healthy soil, diverse vegetation, insects, birds and wildlife are all part of the same ecosystem.

Birds in particular are important indicators of the health of this landscape.

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The monitoring programme focuses first on birds.

Monthly surveys along fixed routes across the estate will allow us to observe which species are present and how their populations change throughout the year.

Some species live here permanently, while others visit the estate only during certain seasons.

Many of these birds are not only fascinating to observe but also contribute to the ecological balance of the vineyard landscape.

Insect-eating birds such as tits, sparrows and hoopoes play an important role in natural pest control, feeding large numbers of insects to their chicks during the breeding season.

To encourage their presence we will install nest boxes throughout the estate.

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Mallorca’s landscape changes constantly with the seasons.

In spring migratory birds return to the island. In summer swallows and flycatchers fill the skies above the fields. At dusk the calls of owls can be heard across the estate.

By observing these rhythms over time we begin to understand how the ecosystem of Can Gelat evolves.

All observations will be shared through eBird, contributing to global bird monitoring efforts.

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The programme also includes monitoring of other wildlife.

Using camera traps, we will record nocturnal animals moving through the landscape and gain insights into the wider biodiversity of the estate.

Future extensions may include monitoring of bats, potential nesting sites for birds of prey and further research into the relationship between wildlife and regenerative agriculture.

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Each year the observations and insights will be compiled into an annual biodiversity report, reflecting on the ecological development of the estate and identifying opportunities to further strengthen biodiversity.

A mid-year progress report will share the first insights of each season.

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Starting in 2027, we plan to organise guided nature walks across the estate.

During these walks visitors will learn about:

• the birds and wildlife of Can Gelat

• regenerative agriculture

• the connection between the landscape and the products of the estate.

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For us, wine, olive oil and honey are expressions of a living landscape.

Through this programme we take another step in developing Can Gelat as an ecological estate where agriculture and nature evolve together.

We are grateful to have you following that journey with us.