Region: Andalucia
Province: Sevilla
Declared a Natural Park: 1989
Park surface area: 177,484 hectares
Points of interest:
A semi-mountainous area, set between two other natural parks, which together form an extended protected range. To the east is Sierra de Aracena and Picos de Aroche in Huelva province. To the west is Sierra de Hornachuelos in Cordoba province. Sierra Norte de Sevilla shares with them endangered creatures such as the Iberian Lynx, Black stork and Spanish Imperial eagle. Evergreen oak trees dominate the terrain, interspersed with meadows or dehesas. This sparsely populated area has two lakes and rolling hills with winding country lanes.
The Huesna river, which holds both common and rainbow tout, has a waterfall that’s been declared a National Heritage site. It is near the source of the river (nacimiento del Río Huesna) close to the village of San Nicolás del Puerto.
A second National Heritage site is El Cerro del Hierro, a mine in the Roman era and further exploited until the beginning of the twentieth century. It is a combination of open mining, water filled pits and natural Karst landscape with rich mineral content.
Flora:
A small enclave of Pyrenean oak (Quercus pyrenaica) is the only one of its type in the province. Gall oaks (Q. faginea) are growing in the shady, humid areas. The Mediterranean climate favours the Cork oak (Quercus suber) and Holm oak trees (Q. ilex). There are also Stone pines and groves of Sweet chestnut trees.
The thickets are of Rockrose (Cistus sp), Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis), Spanish lavender (Lavandula stoechas), Wild cherry (Prunus avium), Fig (Ficus carica), Laurustinus (Viburnum tinus) and Turpentine tree (Pistacia terebinthus).
River banks are densely wooded and consist of Alder, Ash, Elm, Poplar, diverse species of Willows and Southern nettle tree (Celtis australis).
Fauna:
Red deer and Wild boar are the larger mammals, small and elusive carnivores are Genet, Fox, Badger, Mongoose, Wild cat, Pole cat and Otter.
There are few areas left which are suitable habitat for the Iberian Lynx, the worlds most endangered cat. They require undisturbed woodland and open scrub with an abundance of rabbits, which form the largest part of their diet. They are nocturnal and very secretive carnivourous mammals which are protected by law.
Amongst the raptors are Short-toed, Imperial and Bonelli's eagles and Griffon and Black vultures, Red kite and Eagle owl. Look out for the majestic Black stork which are a protected species due to their low numbers. Azure-winged magpies, Bee-eaters, Golden orioles and Hawfinches are some of the colourful birds to look out for.
The large Ocellated lizard can sometimes be spotted sunbathing on a rock or fallen tree.
Also in the area:
There is a beautifully restored Carthusian Monastery near Cazalla de la Sierra, visitors can admire the architecture and view the Contemporary art which is on permanent display.
La Travesia Necropolis dating from the Bronze Age has been recognized for its archaeological value and is located in Almadén de la Plata.
There are numerous dolmens (megalithic tombs).
There are caves with prehistoric remains which are also home to various species of bat. Cueva Santiago in Cazalla de la Sierra is a complex cave system with artifacts from Neolithic and Chalcolithic cultures (before the Bronze Age, between about 4500 and 3500 BC).
Los Covachos Cave in Almadén de la Plata is 300m long and drops by 26m with various galleries divided between two levels, containing over 1000 inscriptions.
La Sima abyss in Constantina.
Guadalcanal is a former mining settlement, with medieval walls, Mudéjar churches and a castle.
Information/Visitors centres
The park has two visitor centres.
“El Robleo” visitor centre in Constantina. Here there is also a Botanic Garden demonstrating the typical plant life of the Sierra Morena Mountains.
“Cortijo El Berrocal” visitor centre in Almadén de la Plata.
Natural and National parks in Andalusia
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