Covalagua Valley

The forest

Covalagua valley is mostly covered by a mixed mass of Pyrenean and Lusitanian oak.  In some enclaves where the microclimate is wetter there are also beech mixed with Lusitanian oak. There are also some yew trees, sorbus, hawthorn, blackthorn, broom, Genista and Rubus.

These woods are inhabited by several species like deer, wolves, foxes, wild boar and also small mammals like marten, wild cat, genet, stone marten, rabbit and hare. There are also several birds like birds of prey, golden eagle, booted eagle, goshawk, sparrowhawk, peregrine falcon, kestrel, hen and Montagus’ harriers, buzzard, eagle owl, long-eared owl and tawny owl.

Covalagua waterfall

This waterfall, which gives origin to Covalagua small river (also known as Ivia), is an upwelling from which the water within La Lora Moorland emerges.

The water is filtered from the surface through the system of galleries and cavities formed inside the limestone moorland (known as karst) until it reaches its lower level. Once it gets to this cavity, it comes out in the shape of small waterfalls.

The water emerging from the inside carries dissolved calcium carbonate. When the water comes out, the carbonate is mixed with plant material, thus forming a special rock called “Tufa”. The landscape is impressive, comprising terraces covered by moss and originated by the “tufa” deposited by the river.