Perhaps, in the heart of Madrid, you’ve never heard of Arroyo de Valdelamasa. This small stream flows through the Community of Madrid. It is part of the Jarama basin. By extension, it belongs to the Tagus River basin.
Let’s explore the Arroyo de Valdelamasa. Its waters eventually join the Tagus River. The stream generally flows from south to northeast. During summer, it often dries up completely.
The Arroyo de Valdelamasa begins near the protected Monte de El Pardo. It then passes through San Sebastián de los Reyes. The stream re-enters Madrid. It flows through the Soto de Viñuelas. This area and El Pardo are part of the Parque Regional de la Cuenca Alta del Manzanares.
As the Arroyo de Valdelamasa flows through Soto de Viñuelas, it crosses valuable holm oak groves. It joins the Bodonal stream in this area. The Bodonal stream also called Viñuelas flows into the Jarama. The Jarama then flows into the Tagus.
The Arroyo de Valdelamasa’s basin covers about 17 square kilometers.
Now you know a bit more about this small but significant waterway. It supports diverse ecosystems. The Arroyo de Valdelamasa and its surrounding areas show Madrid’s natural beauty.
Imagine the stream flowing gently through the landscape. Envision the holm oaks providing shade. Picture the diverse wildlife that depends on this water source.
The Monte de Valdelatas is nearby. This forest area connects to Monte de El Pardo. It spans almost 300 hectares. Part of it falls within Alcobendas. The rest belongs to Madrid. Valdelatas is a protected area. Hunting is prohibited here. So is collecting flora and driving motor vehicles.
Valdelatas has an average altitude of 700 meters. Its terrain comes from sands. These sands were deposited after the weathering of the Sierra de Guadarrama rocks.
Valdelatas’ name appears in records from 1579. It was mentioned in the Relaciones de los Pueblos de España. Sancho IV referenced Monte-Negriello in 1287. This is believed to be Valdelatas.
The area was once a holm oak forest. Much of this forest was lost during the Civil War. Today, pine forests dominate. Holm oaks are recovering.
Valdelatas has Mediterranean forest species. Human actions and streams have helped develop three different vegetation areas. These areas include holm oak groves, stone pine forests, and riverside vegetation.
Besides holm oaks, you can find kermes oaks. Rockroses also grow here. Other plants include thyme and orchids.
Stone pines and maritime pines make up the pine forests. The existing pine forests resulted from reforestations in the mid-20th century.
Near the streams, alders, ashes, white poplars, willows and elms grow. Wild roses and brambles also thrive.
The area is home to rabbits, hares, and small rodents. You might spot foxes and wild boars. These animals come from nearby wooded areas.
Many birds live here. These include wood pigeons, magpies, and insectivores. Common birds include great tits, blue tits, and hoopoes. Birds of prey like owls are also present.
Common reptiles include the ocellated lizard and ladder snake.