Cantabrican mountain beechwoods: A survey and the case for their conservation

Abstract

Beech forests are local in Spain and have several species at the southern limit of their range. The area studied, in the Valdeon Valley, extends to 1456 ha and is one of the largest in the area. It is considered important for flowering plants, birds, mammals and butterflies although other taxonomic groups have not been considered. It has been subject to light traditional management in the past but this has not damaged its ecological interest. A survey of 140 quadrats on several transects was ordinated and has revealed five main forest types, two of which are associated with streamsides. The others are mostly high forest on acid soils. These groups have been characterised in environmental terms (soil reaction, light, soil moisture, waterlogging and disturbance). The stands are generally uneven-aged with trees of 160–170 years and occasionally some of 200 years. All quadrats showed prolific regeneration of beech with seedlings and saplings of various ages, an observation which is somewhat contrary to other observations. The total number of species recorded in the survey was 158 with a range from 5 to 22 species per 1·5 × 1·5 m quadrat and an average of 18. Now that Spain has joined the European Economic Community many changes can be expected in agriculture and forestry. It will also permit certain areas to be set aside as Environmentally Sensitive Areas (ESA), Natural Parks or National Parks. This area, being the locus typicus of Atlantic montane beechwoods, is an excellent candidate for ESA status or as part of an expanded Picos de Europa National Park.