Izki Natural Park, Natural park in Álava, Spain
Izki Natural Park is a protected area in the Izki river valley in Álava, featuring extensive forests of Pyrenean oak and limestone mountains. The landscape contains various rock formations and different elevations that create diverse habitats for plants and wildlife.
The area was included in the European Natura 2000 network in 1997 and officially designated as a natural park the following year. These protections came from efforts to safeguard the forest ecosystems and their unique habitats.
The medieval village of Corres lies within the park and displays traditional Basque building styles with stone houses and narrow lanes. The community here maintains historical ties to forestry and farming that shape daily life and land use to this day.
An information center in the village of Corres provides maps and guidance for exploring the park's trails and routes. Proper footwear and preparation for changing weather conditions are advisable, as the terrain is hilly and sometimes wet.
The area holds the largest concentration of Pyrenean oak forest in Europe and offers a rare habitat. These exceptionally diverse forests also support one of Spain's largest populations of black woodpecker.
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