Regional Park of Middle Guadarrama River, Regional park along Guadarrama River, Madrid, Spain
The Regional Park of Middle Guadarrama River spreads across hills and river valleys with forests, open meadows, and cultivated areas side by side. The park connects several towns and shows a blend of natural habitats and human land use that shapes the landscape throughout.
The area received protected status in 1999, after conservation efforts in the surrounding mountains began decades earlier. Medieval bridges and castles scattered throughout the territory show a long history of human settlement along the river.
The area maintains traditional farming communities and rural practices that have shaped daily life for generations. Walking through the valleys and along the riverbanks, visitors can observe how people continue to work the land using methods passed down over time.
The park has multiple entry points and marked trails that wind through different habitats and remain accessible in most weather conditions. Information panels at access areas help visitors understand the different zones and plan their route before setting out.
The area serves as a crucial corridor for wildlife moving between the mountains and lower plains, allowing species to cross vast distances. This role as a connecting zone makes it ecologically more valuable than its size alone might suggest.
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