The Rebollars

As we ascend from the bottom of the valley, leaving behind the gallery forest and pastures, we find forests whose main species is the oak melon (Quercus pyrenaica), a species characterized by keeping the leaves already dry in the branches until the spring, which provides an extraordinary color, especially in autumn and winter. This type of leaves are called marcescentes because (after having fulfilled their vegetative cycle) they remain in the tree until the month of March, coinciding with the exit of the new leaves. A mechanism of protection against herbivores, which discourages feeding on the branches and shoots that, as a result of the permanence of the leaves, are very little tasty.

Traditionally, the rebollars were harvested to obtain firewood and charcoal, which is why, with the exception of some specimens, they have not developed a large size. However, they used to respect some specimens that, in addition to providing shade to the charcoal burners, served to obtain acorns and supply wood for bridges and roofs. Species such as wild cats, genets, roe deer and wild boar, as well as mouse eagles and roadways, find their place in this rich ecosystem.