The University of Valencia and its natural environments. The Carrascal de la Font Roja and the Serra de Mariola.

Opening: 12 April at 13:00. Ibi Biodiversity Museum.

The University of Valencia, through the Office of the Vice-Principal for Territorial Projection and Participation, presents this exhibition about the Carrascal de la Font Roja and the Serra de Mariola, showing us different physical and biotic aspects combined with other historic, archaeological and ethnological traits. The centuries-long merge of both environments has created cultural landscapes of exceptional value that were declared natural parks by the Generalitat Valenciana a few years ago.

The Carrascal and Mariola, as well as Aitana or the Serrella, are not a representation of wilderness since many centuries ago, so it is always possible to notice the presence of man: dry stone constructions, the sites where charcoal was processed, diggings ... and the more modern transmission towers.

Progress, starting in the Neolithic period, marked the beginning of the deforestation of the original forest in the mountains of Valencia, but the increasing use of hydrocarbon fuels and decresing levels of agriculture have caused the forest to progress again in Spain during the past half century . The scrub and pine forests at Font Roja and Mariola make up one of the most remarkable tracts of forest in Valencia, despite being located in a densely populated area of over 80,000 inhabitants in the urban areas following the axis of the upper course of the river Serpis (Alcoy, Cocentaina, Muro, etc..). The Mediterranean deciduous forest found at the food of the Menjador or in the shaded areas of the Mariola is exceptionally valuable, a type of biome that centuries ago was much more prevalent throughout our country.

Museum opening hours:

Tuesday-Saturday: 10:00 to 13:00 and 16:00 to 19:00

Sundays and holidays: 11:00 to 14:00