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Guadalajara Nature Parks
Parque Natural del Hayedo de Tejera Negra
One of the most important protected areas in Castilla-La Mancha is the Hayedo de Tejera Negra Natural Park, in the northwestern corner of the province. Hayedo de Tejera Negra Nature Reserve is situated to the north-east of Guadalajara province, in the township of Cantalojas. The most representative feature of this Reseve is an exceptional beech forest, one of the most southerly in Europe. The beech trees of Tejera Negra were planted in remote times, when the climate was colder and more humid than it is now. Nowadays, these trees find shelter in shady valleys and northern slopes, with fog, wind, rain and very little sun.
Natural assets
Apart from the beech trees, you can encounter other protected species, namely the yew, holly, birch, oak , hazel or pine. The undergrowth consists of heather, broom and thickets.
In the same way, the most characteristic fauna of this Nature Park are the daytime birds of prey: golden eagle, red kite and goshawk. Roe deer, the fox, wild cat, marten, badger, weasel, wild boar and nocturnal birds of prey, for example the tawny owl, long-eared owl and little owl abound.
Cultural surroundings
Several centuries ago, Cantalojas Cattle Fair was an important socio-economic and which was attended by cattle farmers from Soria, Segovia, Burgos and Santander. These days, at the gateway to the park, is Majaelrayo, a small place forming part if the Black Architecture Route, known for its typical villages with stone houses and slate roofs.
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