Sierra Espuña
| Sierra Espuña | |
|---|---|
| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 1,583 m (5,194 ft) |
| Coordinates | 37°51′20″N 1°30′45″W / 37.85556°N 1.51250°W |
| Geography | |
| Location | Bajo Guadalentín Region of Murcia |
| Parent range | Penibaetic System, Eastern zone |
| Geology | |
| Mountain type | karstic |
The Sierra Espuña is a mountain range in the Region of Murcia, Spain. It is part of the Penibaetic System. The Sierra Espuña Regional Park protects 17,804 ha of the mountain range in the municipalities of Alhama de Murcia, Totana and Mula. The highest peak, also known as Espuña, is at 1,583 metres. The summit itself is a military area. It houses the 13th Air Surveillance Squadron (EVA 13) radar station, part of the Spanish Air and Space Force.
By the end of the 19th century, the entire mountain range was in a poor ecological state, with the almost total loss of its tree cover and at risk of desertification. In 1889, the forest engineer Ricardo Codorníu undertook the enormous task of reforesting the entire mountain range. This reforestation task became a model for his time.
In 1931 the area was declared a natural site of national interest, and in 1992 it was protected as a Regional Park. It is also listed as a Special Protection Area for birds and a place of community importance (LIC).