A thick green veil
If you take a look at Google Maps, Irati is a thick green expanse that doesn't let the sunlight through. An ecosystem of its own that invades the valleys of Aezkoa and Salazar in Navarra and those of Cize and Soule in France. Koldo Villalba has dedicated thirteen years of his life to Irati, as a forest ranger, yes, but also (and above all) as a biologist and "nature illustrator".
OF CARNIVORES AND FOSSILS
And what is discovered after thirteen years observing, walking, touching these trees and this land? He tells us about two of his great discoveries: " a hygroturbid area with two unknown plant species in Irati (a carnivorous plant, the Drosera Rotundifolia ) and the Eriophorum Angustifolium , a type of woolly reed". This finding earned it inclusion in a protection program at European level (** LIFE+TREMEDAL **).
Beyond the vegetal, Koldo also came across a part of our past, one of those missing links that are still to be discovered in our rocks: "I found some coral fossils from 390 million years ago ; he was accompanied by ** a geologist member of Aranzadi **, who was working in Arnao (Asturias), and was able to verify that there was a type of coral in Irati that was supposed to be exclusive to Asturias and Cantabria ".
Erlan waterfall
FOR PLANT LOVERS
As a biologist, Koldo highlights the diversity of fauna and flora in the area. Not in vain, the symbol of his company, ** ITARINATURA **, is a white-backed bill, an endangered bird that finds his home in Irati (it is in this jungle where they have the highest population density).
The plant wealth is evident, once you set foot on Navarrese land. But in Irati there is a prize: that of the exclusive ecosystem, very given to giving away species "such as the Veratrum album or some very special orchid like the Epipactis purpurata ", Koldo discovers us.
White-backed Peak in Aezkoa
WHAT YOU DON'T EXPECT TO FIND
Koldo admits that it's not his job to go looking for the oddities of the jungle... but these are presented to him as a gift from mother nature " they are one more part of the puzzle of the incomplete knowledge we have of the territory ".
What everyone knows (at least, the inhabitants of the area), is the Orbaizeta arms factory dating from the 18th century "one of the largest in Europe and that today is the best preserved from its time, as well as being a Site of Cultural Interest". And the perfect place for lovers of the abandoned.
But... Did you know that Irati hides some cromlech from the Iron Age? And wind ovens? And an abandoned mine? History vibrates between its nature.
The last medieval forest in Europe
FROM VILLAGE TO VILLAGE
Now back to the life of the town, Koldo recommends us to visit the granaries of Aezkoa (different from the Asturian or Galician ones, since these are made with wooden slat roofs), the Gothic church of Ochagavia, the hermitage of Muskilda ...and a getaway across the border to Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, walled city that belonged to Navarra until 1525 or the Soule valley. If you dare to enter this Navarran forest, you can do it hand in hand with Koldo Villalba via Itarinatura. In the different routes you can go through the territory comprehensively (fauna, flora, architectures...) ; In addition, you can choose more specialized activities , such as making a cultural visit to the weapons factory, mushroom picking (with tasting included...) . You choose. Irati waits.
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Sheep from the fields around Irati