|
Region : Castilla y León Province: Soria, Burgos Declared Natural Park in 1985,
ZEPA (Special bird protection zone) since 1987
LIC (Area of Community Interest) since 2004 The Galiana lookout Special Interest: The Canyon Rio Lobos Natural Park is located between the foothills of the Iberian System and the River Duero plateau, at an altitude of approximately 1000 meters. The canyon stretches some 25 km from the South Eastern tip of Burgos and into the North West of Soria, where we find approximately 80% of the Natural Park. The spectacular formations of the canyon and surrounding Karst landscape were created by the direct action of the Rio Lobos (Wolf River) and constant temperature changes. This geological process resulted in unusual surface and subsurface features ranging from sinkholes, vertical shafts, disappearing streams, and springs, to complex underground drainage systems and caves. The River Lobos and its adjoining streams has become a lifeline for the many animals that live at the base of the Canyon. The landscape in this area is truly breathtaking and the best way to enjoy it is by walking along the sign posted trails. The riverbed inside the canyon has submerged, due to the collapse of limestone caverns under the surface, concave erosion on both sides of the riverbank is evidence of this. The oxide tinted canyon walls rise up to 200 meters (656 feet) in places, with stunning colour and formation changes throughout its 25 kilometres. The area is strewn with caves, caverns and natural wells where subterranean waters run wild. The largest of these caves is the Galiana, with its 1500 meters of galleries, stalactites and stalagmites to explore. For those interested in History there is an isolated 12th century Knights Templar Hermitage, a Bronze Age settlement and a Roman bridge to enjoy. The Natural Park was declared in 1985 and covers an area of 9580 hectares, of which 80% is in the province of Soria and 20% in Burgos province. The Park was one of the first to be nominated ZEPA (Special bird protection zone) in 1987 and in 2004 was included into LIC (Site of Community Importance). Flora: The tree most represented in the park is the Spanish Juniper ‘Sabina’ (Juniperus thurifera) traditionally used in the construction of ceiling beams in local homes, as it does not rot like other woods. The Sabinas were part of an ancient forest that dates back to the Tertiary Period; they are now considered an endangered species. Also found within the park are Common Juniper, Black Pine (Pinus nigra) Lusitanian Oak (Quercus faginea) and Holm Oak (Quercus ilex), Wild herbs, such as Thyme (Thymus serpyllum), Spanish Marjoram (Thymus mastichina), Savoury (Satureja inrincata). Rosemary and Sages were once collected throughout this area and used to barter in Medieval markets. Lavender (Lavandula pedunculata) and (Lavandula stoechas) were collected until 1960 for the manufacturing of perfumes and Gayuba (Arctostaphylos uva- ursi) was taken in small doses by shepherds, for general wellbeing. There are protected plant species to be found in the ravines, such as Saxifrages (Saxifraga cuneata), growing on the rock and Toadflax (Linaria supina sen) in the alluvium. Along the banks you can see Poplars, White Willow (Salix alba) Common Sallow (Salix atrocinera) and floating Water-lilies (Nuphar lutea), Duckweed (Lemnaceae) and Reedmace (Typhaceae). Fauna: The walls ledges and cavities of the Canyon are refuge to 100 pairs of Griffon Vultures and other protected birds of prey such as the Golden Eagle, the Short-toed Eagle and the Booted Eagle. Other raptors include the Egyptian Vulture, Peregrine Falcon, Goshawk, Kestrel and nocturnal birds of prey such as the Eagle Owl and Long-eared Owl, Barn Owl, Tawny Owl, Scops Owl and Little Owl.
Other bird species seen in the Park include, Black Redstart, Rock Dove, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Eurasian Jay, Azure-winged Magpie, Skylark and Hawfinch, Common Raven, Red-billed Chough, Kingfisher, Alpine Swift (found May to Aug) and Rock Bunting. Coal Tits nests in holes in trees and rocks, and feed on insects which helps control the forest from disease. The Mistle Thrush eats the fruit of the Sabinas, helping to distribute the seed. Woodlarks can be spotted running between the Junipers and Crag Martins collect from the riverbank to make their nests. Water birds include the Grey Heron. Mammals inhabiting the Park include Roe Deer, Wild Boar, Wild Cat, Rabbit, Red Squirrel, Brown Hare, Red Fox, Weasel, Badger, Beech Marten and Common Otter. Bats – Various species inhabit the caves and caverns including Schreiber's Bat (Miniopterus schreibersi), Geoffroy's Bat (Myotis emarginata), Brown Long-Eared (Plecotus auritus) and Greater Horseshoe (Rhinolophus ferrumequinun). Amphibians and reptiles include snakes, such as Snub-Nosed Viper (Vipera latastei) and Ladder Snake (Elaphe scalaris). Frogs such as the Western Spadefoot (Pelobates cultripes) and Common Treefrog (Hyla arborea), lizards include Wall lizard (Podarcis muralis), Jewelled Eyed Lizard (Timon lepidus) and Spanish Sand Racer (Psammodromus algirus). During winter snow can fall on the Sierra Urbion, lasting until spring, when the streams flow with crystal clear waters through the canyon which harbour common trout, barbell and various freshwater crayfish, including Signal (Pacifastacus Leniusculus), Red (Procambarus Clarkii) and White Clawed (Austropotamobius Pallipes). The fortified knights templar chapel Caves: Authorisation is needed for group visits to cavern La Galiana where you will be guided on a two hour interpretation tour through the 1500 metres of galleries, stalagmites and stalactites. Caves marked as reserved cannot be visited without prior authorisation. Cueva Grande and Cueva Negra are generally open all year round and do not require permission to visit. Also in the Area: The village of Ucero lies on the southern most tip of the canyon, its Knights Templar Castle and Roman canal are worth a visit. The town of El Burgo de Osma and its Cathedral, a masterpiece of Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque architectural styles and is one of the most important buildings of the region. The Medieval village of Calatañazor, declared a ‘National Monument’ for its historic and artistic beauty. A momentous event in Spanish history took place here in 1002 AD; this is where the fearless Arab leader ‘Almanzor’ went into battle and was defeated, it is believed he retreated to Medinaceli, where he died soon after. Nearby are some of the largest and best preserved Incense Junipers ‘Sabinas’ (Juniperus thurifera) in the world, a species that is now considered endangered. The ‘Nature Reserve La Fuentona’ is a great place to enjoy a walk. Follow the meandering stream with Pines, Poplars, Junipers and the fresh smell of lavender and sage in the air. ‘La Fuentona’ is a beautiful small lake with a subterranean world of caves that run deep under its waters, the locals call it, ‘Ojo del Mar’ (the eye of the sea). Special thanks for this article go to Alfredo and Louise who run “Spanish Footsteps” Spanish Footsteps provide walking holidays and guided tours to give visitors a real taste of the culture, nature and history of Spain. They are based in the province of Soria, a rural destination for lovers of nature and history, leisure walkers and ramblers. Here you will find a network of walking tracks, where you can walk in the footsteps of El Cid, take a tour along the roman roads or routes connecting the Ataylas (Arab communications towers) or visit the inspirational places of Spanish poets, such as Antonio Machado. Take a look at their website for more information www.spanishfootsteps.com.
Trackback(0)
 |
Castilla y Leon 
TrackBack URI for this entry
Subscribe to this comment's feed