Doñana National Park, a bastion of biodiversity in Andalusia, has recently faced controversies that have shaken the faith of its admirers. Despite decades of protection and substantial funding, concerns about the ecosystem’s health have emerged. This article delves into forum discussions on challenges within the park and presents the latest developments, including a significant agreement aimed at securing its future.
Continue reading Safeguarding Doñana: Challenges, Controversies, and a Path Forward
The Encebro (Equus sp.) in Iberia: A Spectacular Extinct Equid
The Encebro, a wild Iberian equid, left an indelible mark on the Iberian Peninsula before facing extinction in the 16th century. Standing at an impressive 1.30 meters and weighing 300 kilograms, this equid outpaced domestic horses in speed, as recorded in medieval texts from the kingdoms of Castile, León, and Portugal. References abound in up to 80 Castilian and Leon “fueros” (See below) from the 12th and 13th centuries, offering a glimpse into its significance in the region’s history.
Continue reading The Encebro (Equus sp.) in Iberia: A Spectacular Extinct Equid
Macizo del Montseny Natural Park
- Region: Catalonia
- Province: Barcelona and Gerona
- Declared a Natural Park: Biosphere Reserve 1978. Natural Park 1987
- Park surface area: 50,166 hectares. Expanded from 30,000 hectares in 2014)
- Towns and villages: Aiguafreda, Arbucias, Breda, Brull, Campins, Cánoves y Samalús, Figaró-Montmany, Fogás de Monclús, La Garriga, Gualba, Montseny, Riells i Viabrea, San Esteban, San Felíu de, Buxalleu, San Pedro de Vilamajor, Seva and Viladrau
Points of interest
Biosphere reserve
The Macizo del Montseny Natural Park (Just 50 kilometres from Barcelona) is the oldest in Catalonia and is also one of the most important because in a relatively small area there are typical plant communities of the three major European biomes : the Mediterranean (holm oak, cork oak and Aleppo pine), the Eurosiberian (Scots pine, beech and white fir) and boreoalpine (alpine meadow). The Montseny natural fir forest is the southernmost in Europe and this was the main reason that in 1978 UNESCO declared the area a protected Biosphere Reserve.
Continue reading Macizo del Montseny Natural Park
News from Wildside Holidays and the Iberia Nature Forum
Heres some News from Wildside Holidays and the Iberia Nature Forum. (November 2023 newsletter.)
The Wildside Holidays Facebook Prize Draw
Enhance your nature-filled adventure with a chance to win a 100 Euro Get Your Guide gift voucher! Participate in the Wildside Holidays Facebook Prize Draw. Follow the simple instructions on the Wildside Holidays Facebook page for a shot at this exciting giveaway. The prize can be used world wide and is transferable so could also make a great Christmas gift!
The Wildside Holidays YouTube Channel
Our YouTube channel is flourishing with captivating shorts, films, and promotional videos covering wildlife, culture, music, and more. Have a video or clip you’d like to share? Email us, and we’ll publish it promptly with live links directed to your website. If you have videos on other platforms, consider expanding your reach by featuring them on our YouTube channel.
Wildside Holidays Site Traffic Update
Exciting news! Wildside Holidays is experiencing remarkable growth in site traffic. In the past 28 days, we’ve achieved over 100,000 search impressions and 10,000 clicks, especially on dedicated wildlife and natural park pages. Quality content is at the heart of our success, reflecting in these impressive search stats.
Thank you for being part of the Wildside Holidays community. Your passion for nature and sustainable travel fuels our collective journey.
The Iberia Nature Forum
We have fantastic news to share— the Iberia Nature Forum is now available as an Android app! Experience the beauty of nature on the go. Check out how to download it here or head straight to the Google Play Store and search for “Iberia Nature Forum.”
- A Remarkable Wolf Pair in Aragón: In the picturesque region of Aragón, a unique wolf couple has captured the attention of wildlife enthusiasts. This extraordinary pairing involves a male wolf from Italy and a female wolf native to Spain, making it the only known case of its kind. Their coexistence in Aragón could hold the key to enriching the wolf population. Read more.
- The Rock Hyrax Connection in Valencia’s BIOPARC: Uncover the fascinating link between Hispania and a unique creature, the rock hyrax, in the heart of Valencia’s BIOPARC. Could this mammal be the connection to the very name of Spain itself? Discover more.
- European Bison’s Dramatic Comeback in Andalucia: After being reduced to single figures across its territory, the European bison has made a dramatic comeback, thanks to intensive conservation efforts and “rewilding” projects. Catch up on the latest news about bison in Spain here.
Stay connected, stay informed, and let the nature adventures continue!
Ronda Today
Everything you need to know before you visit Ronda “The city of dreams” in Andalucia. https://www.rondatoday.com/
Visit Cádiz
Planning on visiting Cádiz? Tourist information. Monuments. Hotels. Activities. City guides: https://visitingcadiz.com/
The Caminito del Rey
Find tickets for the Caminito del Rey: https://www.caminodelrey.es/
Wildside Holidays – Spain
Take a trip on the Wildside! Discover the wildlife and nature of Spain, its Natural and National Parks and find the top wildlife, activity and walking holiday companies.
Iberia Nature Forum
Discover the Iberia Nature Forum – Environment, geography, nature, landscape, climate, culture, history, rural tourism and travel.