It is well known that willows prefer deep, moist soils, thriving even underwater. This unique habitat allows us to stroll along this bank of the Deva River in the shade of their canopies, a shade that becomes impenetrable in some places when the forest reaches its maximum density.
The banks of Asturian rivers were once covered with incredibly diverse forests. However, due to the high agricultural productivity of these areas, much of the riparian woodland has been cleared. This makes the willow grove, which continues to grow along the middle reaches of the Deva River, all the more important. It forms a well-preserved floodplain , reminiscent of times past.
The river Deva
The banks of fast-flowing rivers like the Deva, ideally suited to flooding, are where the most resilient willow species have taken root. This is all the result of a long and arduous process of adaptation . The remarkable vitality of the Buelles willow grove has been built like a fortress, trunk by trunk, little by little, through the passage of time and the water. This riparian forest has defended itself fiercely thanks to an initial protective layer of shrubby willows, perfectly adapted to withstand the onslaught of river floods. Behind this lies a second layer of tree willows : probably the largest and best-developed on the entire Cantabrian coast.
We are now a little further from the riverbed, in areas that do not suffer the mechanical impact of the floodwaters but are periodically inundated. Here, the white willow (Salix alba), a large species, is dominant. These more inland willow groves have typically been among the environments most affected by human activity, given the extreme fertility of the soils on which they grow. In Buelles, however, this impact is not evident, making it a riverbank of exceptional natural and heritage value.
The area is also of considerable interest for wildlife . Breeding colonies of sand martins (Riparia riparia) exist, and otters (Lutra lutra) and sea lampreys (Petromyzon marinus) are also common. These species are included in the Regional Catalogue of Threatened Species of Asturian Fauna.
In addition, other interesting and bioindicating species of water quality are present, such as Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) and desman (Galemys pyrenaicus).
The village of Buelles
On the other hand, the village of Buelles , as well as other surrounding villages near the willow grove that bears its name, offer more than just natural beauty. The buildings constructed by returning emigrants (known as "Indianos") dot the rural landscape in this area, as is generally the case throughout Peñamellera Baja. The rich architectural heritage of this municipality is carefully preserved and well worth a leisurely and attentive visit.
Information:
Location: Council of Peñamellera Baja. The Natural Monument includes the willow trees that border the two banks of the River Deva, in the stretch of river located between the towns of El Mazu, Narganes and Buelles, in the council of Peñamellera Baja, including the willows and fragments of alderwood of the shore, the beaches of ridges and the slopes that are in both margins and the same bed or smaller bed of the river.
In total area: 52,29 has
Access: The N-621, from Panes to Unquera, crosses the towns of El Mazo and Buelles; the AS-343, from Villanueva (Ribadedeva) to Siejo (Peñamellera Baja), which runs along the left bank of the river, passes through the center of Narganes.
Text: © Ramón Molleda for asturias.com
