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The environment and lodging center of Abioncillo, Soria, Spain

The “Cooperativa del Río” was created in Abioncillo in Catalañazor in 1981 when a group of teachers in Human Sciences decided to bring back to life the practically forsaken village of Abioncillo and reconvert it into a cultural and educational center. This village as many others from the province of Soria had been subject to rural exodus. In this unspoiled region the richness of nature, medieval towns, Roman country residences, Roman roads, Romanesque churches, Prehistoric caves were to be found. The great abundance of tranquility and nature spots proved ideal to run a center for education in environment. In 1988, the center was awarded the first prize of environmental education from the regional authorities of "Castilla y Leon".

Since then, the various members of the Cooperative have continuously improved and modernized the facilities offered to teachers, students and school children. Each building in the village was renovated according to the traditional popular architecture and materials such as stone, juniper and pine wood have been used. Today, the place sums more than 3.000 m² and has been visited so far by more than 50,000 people from various nationalities.

The Cooperative employs about ten people (teachers and monitors as well as maintenance and domestic staff) and offer various services.

Laboratory for natural sciences

• Environment education. Educational programs from 1 to 15 days are available for Primary, Secondary schools as well as for Universities. These experimental programs are a motivating and exciting experience. [environmental stayings]
• Summer camps. During the months of July and August, summer camps for children aged 8 to 14 are organised. [summer camps for children]
• Workshops for teachers. The center organises workshops intended for the permanent education of teachers about subjects connected with environment and education innovation.
• Linguistic stayings. There exists the possibility of designing hybrid programs (language learning and environmental studies) for groups from abroad. The environmental activities are directed by native Spanish speakers.
• Cultural visits. The educational project and the premises are open for organised group visits.
• Lodgings. The center can accommodate individuals and groups of about 60 people in full-board stays. [lodging facilities]

The nature reserve of the 'Fuentona'

The educational activities are all the more interesting to organize as the place is at 4km from the nature reserve of the Fuentona, at 4,5km from the middle-aged village of Calatanazor and at about 45km from the natural park of the Río Lobos.

To make reservations and bookings, get in touch with the office. The cooperative remains to your disposal to design specific programs to meet your needs.

The social objective and philosophical foundations of the Cooperative of "El Rio" are to contribute to the progress of humanity. It is a private entity which depends upon the laws and rules that govern the cooperatives of "Castilla y Leon".