Izki Natural Park, Natural park in Álava, Spain
Izki Natural Park is a protected area in the Izki river valley in southern Álava, known for its forests of Pyrenean oak and limestone mountains. The terrain shifts between wooded hills, rock formations, and varying elevations that create a wide range of habitats for plants and animals.
The area entered the European Natura 2000 network in 1997 and was formally declared a natural park the following year. The push for protection came from growing concern about the long-term health of the forest ecosystems found here.
The medieval village of Corres sits inside the park and displays stone houses with narrow lanes typical of the Basque rural tradition. The connection between the village and the surrounding forest is still visible today, as farming and woodland use have shaped this community for centuries.
A visitor center in the village of Corres offers maps and guidance for the park's trails. Sturdy footwear is a good idea, as the ground is uneven and the weather can shift quickly in this hilly terrain.
The park holds the largest continuous stretch of Pyrenean oak forest in Europe, making it a rare example of this type of woodland on the continent. These old oak stands also support one of the largest populations of black woodpecker in Spain, a bird more often heard than seen among the trees.
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