Nature reserve plan
THE PROJECT to restore the landscape and environment in the area of the Sierra de Redován municipal nature reserve known as La Ermita was presented at the town hall last Thursday.
This covers an area of approximately 145 hectares and will involve reforestation and improving the conditions for people to enjoy sport, recreation and relaxing.
Mayor Emilio Fernández noted that the area is ‘already very popular with athletes, ramblers and people simply enjoying a day out in our sierra’.
The project is being carried out by the tap water supply company Hidraqua, he explained, noting that vegetation is very important to control erosion and it needs replacing in Redován because thousands of pine trees, about 85%, were lost to the plague of pine shoot beetles caused by the drought.
He was accompanied by the author of the project, Hidraqua environment manager Clara Corpus, who explained that first the area will be cleaned of rubbish and invasive species of plants, and those in poor health, will be removed.
She described how the current manual watering of the area will be replaced with a localised irrigation system to ensure the survival of the newly planted trees and shrubs.
Some pine trees will be planted but there will also be species such as olives and tetraclinis (which in Europe only grows near Cartagena) which require very little water or maintenance.
To improve the area for the public, the pathways will be extended to connect different areas and some rest areas created, all of which will have furniture and trees for shade for people to take a break from walking and enjoy the views.
They will also include picnic tables, bicycle stands and hand rails, all made out of natural materials to blend into the surroundings.
Sra Corpus said the work should take about three months, which the mayor estimated will start in about two months once the administrative stage is completed.