Barcelona Football Club’s Camp Nou is more than just a football ground – it’s also a place for nature lovers to spot a variety of critters, according to a recent guide published by the club.
Dubbed the “Wildlife Oscars”, the guide reveals the stadium’s vast array of inhabitants, including swallows, swifts, bats and geckos, coexisting harmoniously on the stands.
The guide is the first of its kind produced by any major football club in the world, and shows that Camp Nou is not just a place for Messi goals, but a diverse environment that attracts an abundance of wildlife.
The guide was commissioned after environmentalist and former mayoral candidate for the city, Jordi Portabella, called for the club to focus on sustainability and its environmental impact.
“From the very beginning, we wanted the club to think about the community and the environment,” Portabella explained, “and so we conducted a census of the animals living in and around Camp Nou.”
“Yes, it’s a football ground, but it’s also a haven for biodiversity. We’re proud to showcase that to the world.”
Visitors to Camp Nou can now spot creatures such as the Sardinian warbler and chaffinch, and feel a sense of unity with the blackbirds singing after the final whistle.
The guide has received widespread praise from environmentalists, with some even calling for other clubs to follow in Barca’s footsteps.
“I think more clubs should be looking at their environmental impact and how they can contribute positively to their local ecosystems,” said an anonymous source.
“Maybe one day we’ll see Derby County’s Pride Park publishing a guide to the various types of pigeons found in and around the stadium. Who knows?”
