www.murcianatural.carm.es<\/a><\/p>\nTHE PARK RECOMMENDS<\/strong>
\nAt the Ricardo Codorn\u00edu Visitor and Management Center, visitors can obtain information, find informative material, and visit the exhibition or screening rooms to learn about the natural and cultural values of the natural space.
\nHiking lovers have forest paths and tracks, as well as a Network of signposted Natural Trails, with which you can explore a large part of this mountain range and learn more about its unique history.
\nAmong the many points of interest within the Park you can visit different recreational areas (Fuente del Hilo, La Perdiz, Las Alquer\u00edas or Campamento Exploradores), the Sanctuary of La Santa de Totana, different viewpoints (Avi\u00f3n, Collado Bermejo, Collado
\nMangueta and Collado Pil\u00f3n) with good panoramic views and the Pozos de la Nieve, a historical and cultural vestige of incalculable heritage value of the Park.<\/p>\nAmong the many points of interest within the Park you can visit: Los Pozos de la Nieve, La Ermita de la Santa, Hilo y la Perdiz Recreational Areas, El Valle del Leiva and the Casa Forestal de la Carrasca with good panoramic views.<\/p>\n
FLORA<\/strong><\/p>\nThe flora of Sierra Espu\u00f1a is very rich and varied. Up to nearly a thousand plant species are found on its slopes. We owe this variability to the diversity of environments and the great altitudinal difference that the mountain range presents from its base to the top, as well as the marked differences between shady and sunny areas. The Aleppo pine is the predominant species, although in the higher areas the black and white pine appear, as well as some patches of holm oaks, gall oaks and Montpellier maples. Elms, poplars and poplars grow in the boulevards, ravines and near the fountains, along with shrubby plants such as honeysuckle, oleanders, rose bushes and sarsaparillas. The undergrowth is well developed on some slopes and consists of kermes oak, mastic, black hawthorn and juniper, among other shrubs. In areas exposed to the sun, esparto, rosemary, thyme and rabogato appear. Finally, in the summit area the vegetation is adapted to extreme living conditions.<\/p>\n
FAUNA<\/strong>
\nThe fauna is also very varied and more than 200 species have been inventoried. The largest group is birds, with 123 species. Chickadees, titmice, jays, crossbills, golden eagles, goshawks and hawks, among many others, fly over the skies and trees of Sierra Espu\u00f1a. The presence of the eagle owl and the golden eagle has motivated the declaration of this area as a SPA (Special Protection Area for Birds). Of the mammals we highlight the endemic Espu\u00f1a squirrel, the fox, the wild boar, the wild cat and the marten. There are 7 species of amphibians in the Park. Among them we highlight the natterjack toad, the midwife toad, the Betic lizard and various species of snakes such as the long-nosed viper or the bastard snake.<\/p>\nAPPLICATIONS<\/strong>
\nThe use of the mountains has been very intense since historical times, as witnessed by the archaeological remains found and other constructions that have survived to this day. Important archaeological sites such as La Bastida, La Tira del Lienzo, La Almoloya or Las Cabezuelas have been discovered in the surrounding area. The Snow Wells began to be built in the 16th century and served to supply ice to a large part of the southeast until the beginning of the 20th century. Other traditional uses of the mountains are the production of lime and gypsum (we can visit remains of the old ovens), wood production, esparto grass and old mines from which lead, iron, coal and phosphates were extracted.<\/p>\nEQUIPMENT<\/strong>
\nRicardo Codorn\u00edu Visitor and Management Center (tourist information, exhibition room and projection room), Nature Classroom, recreational areas, viewpoints and trails.<\/p>\nMILESTONES<\/strong>
\nPozos de la nieve, Ermita de La Santa.<\/p>\n