Las Batuecas-Sierra de Francia Natural Park

The Natural Park of Las Batuecas-Sierra de Francia is a protected natural area in the south of the province of Salamanca that affects all or part of Miranda del Castañar. It was declared a Natural Park in 2000 and occupies about 31,801.91 ha, integrated in the western foothills of the Central System and in a very rugged mid-mountain relief. Its landscape and ecological interest derives from the alternation of mountain ranges, valleys, banks and slopes covered by a wide variety of vegetation, with outstanding natural, faunal and geological values. The management plan itself emphasizes the biological quality of the area and the need to make conservation and traditional uses compatible with educational, scientific, recreational and tourist activities. From Miranda del Castañar, this park is understood as part of the great mountain mosaic of the Sierra de Francia, where the natural environment is mixed with a well-preserved historical settlement. In its itineraries you can appreciate low mountain landscapes, natural viewpoints and routes linked to the network of trails of the environment, which allow you to interpret the relationship between the mountain, the villages and the traditional uses. Its relevance is not only environmental: the figure of Natural Park is based on the protection of ecosystems, flora, fauna, water, landscape and also cultural and archaeological resources. In addition, the space has other protection figures in part of its area, such as ZEPA and LIC, which reinforces its interest for a demanding visitor and for the local management of the territory.