We may think of Madrid as the Capital city of Spain, therefore low on the list for nature enthusiasts but Madrid province that surrounds the city will surprise you with its variety.

Birds observed include Black vulture, Imperial eagle, Red kite, Great bustard, Little bustard, White-headed duck, Rock sparrow and Spanish sparrow. These reside in the different habitats on offer such as lagoons, plains and mountains. Red deer, Fallow deer, Roe deer, Fox, Wild cat, Mountain goat and Wild boar all enjoy the mountains to the north west of the region.

The Guadarrama mountains, part of the Sistema Central range, create a natural border in the north west. (Joining with Sierra de Gredos in the province of Castilla y Leon) The highest peak here is Penalara at 2430m. Given this altitude and the Mediterranean influence, it is easy to see why the temperature extremes for Madrid are from 0ºc to 40ºc.

This in turn allows for a wealth of variation in the animal and plant kingdoms. Holms oak, Juniper, Ash, Willow and Scots pines flourish with shrubs such as Lavender, Rockroses, Thyme and Brooms.

A more harsh section of granite massif within the Guadarrama range is called La Pedriza. This is a magnet for rock climbers to test their skills on the strangely eroded, complex formations which are unique in the world. This area is also the source of the river Manzanares which runs through Madrid city. The Manzanares joins with the Tajo river which forms the southern border of the province. The meseta, or high plateau upon which Madrid sits at around 650m above sea level.