The first agreement of the land stewardship programme in Biosphere Reserves of the LIFE+ Cantabrian Capercaillie was signed on 12 July 2012 by the Brown Bear Foundation (FOP) and the co-owners of Monte de Larón (Cangas del Narcea, Asturias).

This is an action that represents a clear commitment to the conservation of this species, while promoting the value of the territory by making it compatible with the activities and uses that have traditionally been developed in the mountain range.

With this agreement, it is planned for 2013 to carry out selective clearing of shrub vegetation on a total of 14 hectares, actions aimed at improving the habitat of the species, as well as the development and availability of its basic food, the blueberry; in addition to helping to reduce the risk of fires in the area and promoting the herbaceous pastures necessary for the efficient development of livestock. Work will also be done to promote the mosaic structure and the natural regeneration of the adjoining wooded masses,

This action is developed by the Brown Bear Foundation, also co-founder of the Transcantabrian Network of Land Stewardship, a non-profit network made up of people, entities and companies interested in the conservation and sustainable management of the natural, cultural heritage and biodiversity of Asturias, Cantabria, the Basque Country and the mountainous north of Castilla y León.

More information about the Life+ Cantabrian Capercaillie project here