Montaña Palentina Natural Park, Nature reserve in Palencia Province, Spain
Montaña Palentina Natural Park is a protected area in Palencia Province with mountainous terrain shaped by high peaks, deep valleys, glacial lakes, and dense forests. The landscape displays varied elevation zones with different plant life and creates a complex topography.
The area gained protected status in 2000 following a proposal made in 1998 to recognize it as a Site of Community Importance. This designation led to its formal recognition as a Special Protection Area and permanent conservation status.
The communities here carry names linked to ancient pilgrimage routes, and the region reflects how people have lived alongside these mountains for centuries. You can sense a deep connection between residents and the natural surroundings in how the villages are built and used today.
Visitors can find detailed park information at Casa del Parque in Santa Cruz de Cervera, where maps and local advice are available. Access to certain areas may be restricted between February and June to protect the brown bear population during breeding season.
The area is home to one of the last populations of Cantabrian brown bears, with special migration corridors established since 2009 to connect separated bear groups. These passages allow bears to maintain genetic diversity and move between isolated habitats.
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