New Natural Park for Valencia

GIANT strides have been taken towards declaring a new natural park in Valencia.

The regional authorities have signed an order confirming the Sierra Escalona as 'one of the most important areas in terms of ecology, environment and landscape'.

The decree bans any development that ‘degrades’ the Sierra Escalona and nearby Dehesa de Campoamor during the creation process.

The new Natural park will straddle 9,003 hectares in the Orihuela, San Miguel de Salinas, and Pilar de la Horadada municipalities. It also includes the El Cristo and Pujalvarez mountains and the Pedrera reservoir. The forested area hosts a rich biodiversity including eagle owls and golden eagles, as well as endangered mammal species such as the wildcat.

The Valencian government declared the Sierra Escalona and its surroundings a 'Protected Landscape' back in 2018.

The Valencian Superior Court had already rejected several challenges from agriculture and real estate businesses appealing the plans.