Asturias is also an area
rich in orchids species where it is possible to find bee orchids
or man orchids growing along the side of old roads or purple
fields full of Serapias. There are also various Narcissus
species present in Asturias three of which have been declared
of special interest in the EEC. It is possible to walk in
the mountains in April and see fields coloured yellow with
the presence of the small Narcissus citrinus or find clumps
of Narcissus leonensis looking like they have been planted
there by an avid gardener.
The region is almost as famous for its forests.
The highest forests are composed mainly of beech, giving way
to mixed woodlands of Pyrenean oak, ash, sweet chestnut, birch,
holly, yew and lime lower down. There are many important forests
in the area, some of which are outlined below:
· Beech forests of Valdeón and Sajambre. A
magnificent Atlantic wood, and one of the best beech
woods in the Iberian Peninsula.
· Monte Cortegueros. Beech forest with the largest
representation of yews in the national park, situated
on either side of the "Senda del Arcediano"
· Pome. A mature beech forest close to the kings look
out point. Recently declared a restricted area.
· Bosque de Peloña. A special protected beech
forest in the Ponga district, with a large representation
of hollies, and Capercaillies.