Tejera Negra beech forest

The beech trees of Tejera Negra became established in ancient times when the climate was colder and wetter. These trees now find refuge in shady valleys and on northern slopes, with fog, wind, rain and hardly any sun.

Located in the northwest of the province of Guadalajara, in the municipal area of Cantalojas, the Tejera Negra beech forest is one of the southernmost on the continent. It has been awarded the World Heritage designation by UNESCO. It was declared a nature reserve in 1978, although this was revoked with the creation of the enormous Sierra Norte nature reserve in 2011, into which it was incorporated, and which is about 75 times larger. Access is still limited in autumn as it is such a special and delicate environment (see 'Visitor information', below).This unique forest is delimited by the Lillas and Zarzas rivers. The microclimate and isolation of this location have enabled the preservation of the beech groves that give it its name. There are other protected species here in addition to the beech trees, including yew, holly, birch, oak, hazel and pine. The undergrowth consists of heather, broom and thickets. The most iconic fauna of the Tejera Negra beech forest are daytime birds of prey such as golden eagles, red kites and goshawks. Roe deer, foxes, wild cats, martens, badgers, weasels, wild boar and nocturnal birds of prey, such as tawny owls, long-eared owls and little owls, abound.