Ready to discover a park that bridges history and nature? This is Parque de Las Presillas. This park is a peri-urban oasis. It sits in the northeastern part of Alcorcón. Alcorcón is a municipality within Madrid. Parque de Las Presillas stands out as Alcorcón’s most significant environmental area.
Imagine this area as a relic of a former Mediterranean forest. Parque de Las Presillas houses 32 ancient cork oaks. These Quercus suber trees are the park’s gems. They stretch over 1.8 hectares. This cork oak area once formed part of a larger woodland. The Alcornocal de Viña Grande complemented it. Today these cork oaks are rare in Madrid. Only the Alcornocal de Torrelaguna has more.
Parque de Las Presillas has a unique position. It lies in the valley of the Arroyo de la Fuente del Sapo or Butarque stream. The stream crosses the park from west to east. This land belongs to the Alcorcón City Council. They acquired it after the M-40 highway’s construction. It was once a military farm.
These Quercus suber trees are special. The Ministry of Agriculture of Spain recognizes them. They are an indigenous seed source. This recognition supports reforestation efforts. The EU also values this habitat. They define it as a Mediterranean sclerophyllous forest.
Expansion should use plantons from the seed source FS-46/F/28/005. This guarantees genetic conservation.
Parque de Las Presillas spans 57.50 hectares. It is bordered by the M-40 to the north and the M-406 to the south. To the east lies the La Fortuna neighborhood of Leganés. “Prado Grande” and “Pedazo del estado” border it as well. The Canaleja sports center is to the west.
The park includes Alcorcón’s only wooded area. Forty hectares are covered mainly by a stone pine forest. You will also find some laricio pine trees. These trees resulted from reforestation policies.
The park also borders the Prado Grande. It features an almond tree grove. There are calls to protect “Las Presillas”. “Prado Grande” and “Pedazo del estado” should be protected land. This classification would prevent future development.
An old military road crosses the park. It once connected the Leganés Central train station to the Madrid-Cuatro Vientos Airport. Two livestock routes also pass through the park. These are the Colada de Esparteros and the Vereda de Castilla. The Fuente de la Canaleja also provides a watering place.
Parque de Las Presillas has witnessed history. A small Paleolithic site was found near the Butarque stream. Flint flakes were discovered at the Fuente de la Canaleja.
The area once served migratory livestock. An animal trough is present. Two livestock routes cross the park.
In the early 20th century a railway line was built. It linked the Madrid-Cuatro Vientos Airport to the rest of Spain. This railway crossed Parque de Las Presillas. It ran from the Cuatro Vientos Station to Leganés Central. Operations began in 1926. The line saw commercial traffic until 2002. Today you can still find railway remnants.
In the late 20th century the park was used for farming and military purposes.
Parque de Las Presillas has a Mediterranean climate. Winters are cold with frequent frosts. Summers are hot often exceeding 35°C. Rainfall exceeds 400 mm annually. The rainiest months are before and after summer.
The area has clay-rich soil. This soil is good for pottery and brick making.
Parque de Las Presillas sits in the valley of the Arroyo de la Fuente del Sapo. The park’s elevation varies by 40 meters.
The park is home to diverse wildlife. There are birds like robins and woodpeckers. Mammals include field mice and rabbits. Reptiles such as the grey lizard also live here.
You can access Parque de Las Presillas by foot or bicycle. The Arroyo Butarque path links it to Leganés. A walkway connects it to Alcorcón. The old railway line provides access from Madrid.
The park’s integration with Bosque Sur was not completed. This was due to disagreements. Planned improvements never materialized. But initiatives are underway. These include turning the old military railway into a greenway.
The Ministry of Agriculture seeks to protect biodiversity. This includes areas like Parque de Las Presillas. They aim to integrate biodiversity.
Parque de Las Presillas is a treasure. It blends natural beauty with historical depth. As you explore remember its past. Consider its role in preserving local biodiversity. It is truly a special place.