Canal de Castilla Rey (Palencia), considered the beginning of the Northern Branch, Valladolid and Medina de Rioseco, lying at the end of the Southern Branch and Campos Branch respectively. The countryside crossed by the canal is of interest for its birdlife. In the Tierra de Campos there are two large Special Protection Areas ("La Nava-Campos Norte" and "La Nava-Campos Sur") which are notable for the birds such as great bustards ("Otis tarda") which live in the dryland farming areas (sometimes described as "steppes") which are typical of the region. The canal, on the other hand, provides habitats for wetland birds such as the
Barugh (Great and Little) the heart of the community; it is one of the oldest remaining buildings in the village. This is the only local village amenity, with Great and Little Barugh having no shops, post office or village Hall. Ruins have been found at sites in both Great and Little Barugh including those of a Roman villa. There is also evidence of a Roman road which led to York. There was a school in Great Barugh which opened in 1859; this has since been closed. Both Great and Little Barugh are mentioned in the Domesday book. Great Barugh is described as very small,