The Brown Bear Population in the Cantabrian Mountains: Facts and Controversies

Wildmoral bear tours

The brown bear population in the Cantabrian Mountains has been a topic of significant discussion and research. Recent data and conflicting reports have sparked debates about the true state of the population and the effectiveness of conservation efforts. This article aims to consolidate information from two contradictory reports to provide a comprehensive overview of the … Read more

Redes Natural Park

The Redes Natural Park is mostly covered by large wooded areas, among which its endless beech forests stand out and is located in the eastern central area of ​​Asturias.
  • Region: Asturias.
  • Park surface area: 37,700 hectares.
  • Declared a Natural Park: 1996.
  • Declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve; 2001.
  • Site of Community Importance.
  • Special Protection Area for Birds (ZEPA).
  • Towns and villages in the area: Caso, Sobrescobio.

Points of interest

The Redes Natural Park is mostly covered by large wooded areas, among which its endless beech forests are striking. It is located in the eastern / central area of ​​Asturias. At high altitude there is evidence of glacial erosion that occurred during the Pleistocene period. This glacier modeling allows you to see wide glacial cirques and valleys.

This is an impressive karst landscape with many chasms and sinkholes and there are also high moorlands, pastures and also chestnut plantations. Redes Natural Park is home to all the characteristic species of the north of the peninsula such as the brown bear, capercaillie and Iberian wolf as well as the largest populations of chamois and deer in Asturias.

Fantastic promo video by Turismo Asturias about the Redes natural park

One of the most visited places in the park is the plain of Brañagallones. here you can find the typical braña vaqueira (mountain shelter for farmers and animals) where there is now a mountain refuge for hikers.

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Somiedo Natural Park

The Somiedo Natural Park is a protected natural space that is located in the central area of ​​the Cantabrian mountain range
  • Region: Asturias
  • Province / Main town: Somiedo
  • Declared a Natural Park: 1988.
  • Declared the Somiedo Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO: 2000
  • Park surface area: hectares: 29,122 hectares.
  • Towns and Villages: Somiedo, Belmonte de Miranda and Teverga.

Points of interest

The Somiedo Natural Park is a protected natural space that is located in the central area of ​​the Cantabrian mountain range, Asturias. It also has the protection as a “Place of Community Importance” and Special Protection Area for Birdlife.

The area has also become famous as a starlight destination. The Starlight Foundation is a non-profit organization that was founded in 2009 to promote the protection of the night sky and the development of “astrotourism” and there is an ever growing list of starlight destinations in Spain to visit.

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