Urbasa-Andia nature park, Nature park in Navarre, Spain.
Urbasa-Andia is a nature park in Navarre, declared on 27 February 1997, covering 21,408 hectares across the Sierra de Urbasa, the Sierra de Andía, the Monte Limitaciones de las Améscoas and the Urederra spring reserve. The Sierra de Urbasa is a plateau at about 1,000 metres, bounded by steep escarpments to the north and south, while the Sierra de Andía rises to Beriáin at 1,492 metres. Beech woods cover 60% of the surface and mountain pastures 22%.
The landscape was shaped over centuries by forestry and pastoral grazing, creating the pattern of woods and open areas seen today. This long interaction between people and land established the ecological structure that continues to define the place.
Shepherds continue to graze their flocks across the park's slopes and meadows, a practice that shapes how the landscape looks and is managed. This living tradition connects the land to local communities in a way visitors can witness during their walks.
The park has several entry points, with the Lizarraga pass providing good access to main areas. Wear sturdy footwear since the terrain is hilly and most trails are unpaved.
The park's beech woods cover about 60% of its 21,408 hectares, while pastures take up 22%. More than 400 mushroom species have been recorded here. Among the birds are the griffon vulture, the bearded vulture and the Egyptian vulture, alongside several woodpecker species.
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