Land of mountains and biodiversity
Natural refuge in the north of Cantabria
The ZEC Valles Altos Nansa, Saja and Alto Campoo is the largest in Cantabria, covering an area of more than 51,000 hectares in a mountainous landscape of high and medium mountains. This protected area extends through the valleys of the Nansa, Saja and Híjar rivers, covering the municipalities of Polaciones, Tudanca, Lamasón, and other areas of the surrounding valleys.
It stands out for the great diversity of natural habitats, such as heathlands, riparian forests, pastures, and peaks, which are typical of the Atlantic mountain.
In addition, livestock intervention has contributed to the formation of environmental mosaics that further enrich this ecosystem. It is a fundamental place for the conservation of species such as the brown bear and is home to 19 taxa of fauna of community interest.