Reflection of a lordship: Bertiz

1993/02/01 Albisu, Alex Iturria: Elhuyar aldizkaria

• Ekologia
• Geografia

The Atlantic side of Navarre, which has long been demolished and humanized, is not new. In any case, it seems that this whole territory suffered a balanced humanization, since the green of the pastures and the soft appearance of the mountains soften the landscape. Livestock occupied the main place of this land and to obtain the necessary food for livestock, they had to strip away the land.

However, we can still discover two large forested territories. One of them is Artikutza, with its 3,700 ha, 90% forest. The other, the lordship of Bertiz, with a curious history, is almost covered with forests. In this land of 2,040 ha, the beech is the main tree and embracing the river Bidasoa, is located in the municipality of Bertizarana.

The influence of the Cantabrian Sea is clear and its mild climate, without major thermal changes. With the ocean climate, the forest appears beautiful. It borders to the north with the lands of Etxalar, to the east with the surroundings of Baztan, to the south with the river Bidasoa and to the west with other lands of Bertizarana and with the mountain called “Lau herri”. But the wealth and a certain virginity that these lands have retained is because throughout history they have been in the hands of many gentlemen.

The residents of Bertiz were the first owners of the lands that King Charles III of Navarre appropriated in 1389. The Crown of Navarre had the approval and confidence. Proof of this is the permission given to kings, lords, nobles, hidalgo and gentiles during the calm to hunt deer, hares and quails in the dominion of Bertiz. This authorization was granted in the General Court of 1556.

In 1723 the dominion was in the hands of Aldunain and Juan Francisco de Bertiz. Later, a marquis would destroy the property that the verses had of the lordship. Then it would pass to Felipe Oteiza and in 1898 Pedro Ziga would assume it.

At the death of Pedro Ziga, in 1949, the Provincial Council of Navarra assumed responsibility for the lordship on behalf of the Navarros. In this way the wish of Pedro Ziga, last private owner would be fulfilled. This meant protecting the lordship so that the new generations could enjoy their surroundings. Declared a Natural Park in 1984.

If you enter the park you can see the influence of coal and / or carpenters on tree trunks, many of them shorter and more resistant than conventional. This trend has not spread to many territories and you can still see many lands that seem barely broken.

The Señorío de Bértiz is dominated by the Atlantic grove mixture. The oak is mainly found in the surroundings of the Bidasoa River. That is, in areas of high humidity, in low areas. However, we could find it in all lordship, individually or together. However, the beech is undoubtedly the owner of this forest. It starts from 500 meters. You can also find lines of chestnut, between oak and beech. To finish with the trees, you will also have the opportunity to see the marshes in the higher areas, which require more sun than previously mentioned.

In this small territory of 2,040 ha you can enjoy little broken forests. If you climb Mount Aizkolegi you can see all the lordship and the castle of the same name. To enjoy this vision it takes time

If you touch the day of fog and cloud do not be discouraged. To see the fauna of local interest (you will need more luck than time, but...) and take advantage to visit a unique botanical garden.

The efforts made by ICONA and the Government of Navarra in 1955 for the growth of deer in Bertiz and Quinto Real have not yet been successful here. 2 km away are the deer that were brought in the forest, surrounded by fences.

The roe deer has never disappeared from here and we can find a small population.

There are also wild boar, whose works in their land can often be seen. But the badger is the most abundant mammal, according to its remains. In addition, there is a wild cat, a otter, a jelly, a squirrel, a squirrel, a hare, a rabbit, etc., even if they are minor. Among raptors, the only nesting species is the common.

To reach the Lordship you will have to go to Mugaire. At the entrance of the Señorío is a botanical garden with numerous types of plants of interest. In it is the palace of Bertiz. It is advisable to follow the rules that the doorman separates at the entrance, since the lordship will only remain in good condition.

The Government of Navarra, with the aim of expanding the visits, has made several improvements such as the car park, houses it for 30 students in the hamlet Zabala, the auditorium for 60 people, the information office in the house Teniente, etc. These improvements are debatable from the ecological point of view.

In any case, I hope that people will know how to recognize and respect the value of lordship, so that future generations can also enjoy the environment.