ZEPA Alto Lozoya

ZEPA Alto Lozoya is a special protection area for birds stretching across the border of the provinces of Segovia and Madrid, covering the upper course of the Lozoya river in the Sierra de Guadarrama mountains. The municipality of Alameda del Valle sits within its boundaries, making it a convenient base for anyone wanting to explore one of central Spain's most important refuges for birds of prey.

What is the ZEPA Alto Lozoya?

ZEPA (Zona de Especial Protección para las Aves) is a legal conservation designation used across the European Union as part of the Natura 2000 network. The Alto Lozoya area was declared under this protection in 1989 and spans roughly 7,869 hectares. It covers the upper basin of the Lozoya river, shielded on two sides by mountain ranges: the central massif of the Sierra de Guadarrama to the north, and the Cabeza de Hierro Mayor peak together with the Cuerda Larga ridge to the south. This layout creates a naturally sheltered, semi-isolated enclave favorable to species sensitive to human disturbance.

Which birds live here?

The area was designated primarily to protect the cinereous vulture (Aegypius monachus) and the Spanish imperial eagle (Aquila adalberti), two species of particular conservation concern in Europe. Despite its proximity to Madrid, the vulture colony in the Lozoya valley has shown notable recovery in recent years and now accounts for a significant share of the national population of the species. Alongside these two flagship species, the valley also hosts golden eagles, peregrine falcons, European honey buzzards, goshawks, sparrowhawks, booted eagles, common buzzards, black and red kites, Eurasian hobbies, and common kestrels. This diversity of raptors reflects a mosaic of habitats ranging from rocky cliffs to pine and oak woodlands covering the valley slopes.

Why has the area remained so well preserved?

The geographic isolation created by the surrounding mountain ranges has limited urban pressure and helped preserve the natural character of the landscape despite the relatively short distance to the Madrid metropolitan area. The site also forms part of a wider regional conservation network, sitting close to the Sierra de Guadarrama National Park and adjoining the Special Area of Conservation (ZEC) "Cuenca del río Lozoya y Sierra Norte", with which Alto Lozoya shares a joint management plan adopted by the regional authorities of the Community of Madrid.

What should visitors know before coming?

The area is open year-round, 24 hours a day, with no entry fee, though as a protected zone it carries restrictions such as staying on marked trails during breeding season. Alameda del Valle, located at the heart of the valley, serves as a practical starting point — hiking trails from the village allow visitors to watch raptors circling above the valley, especially in the morning and late afternoon hours when thermal currents make soaring easier. Anyone planning birdwatching should bring binoculars, since vultures and eagles typically forage high above the ground, far from settlements.

Frequently asked questions

Is there an entry fee for the ZEPA area? No, access is free and available at any time.

Which bird species matter most here? The cinereous vulture and the Spanish imperial eagle, both under strict protection across Europe.

Is this a good spot for birdwatching? Yes — the Lozoya valley is one of the most important refuges for birds of prey in the Madrid region, with a clearly growing vulture population.

Is Alameda del Valle located within the ZEPA? Yes, the village lies within the boundaries of this protected area.