Park restoration plan set to start
A PLAN to restore the natural landscape and vegetation in El Recorral park in Rojales is about to be undertaken by the town hall and provincial government.
The work will affect an area of 10 hectares ( 100,000 square metres) and has a budget of € 40,000.
It will consist of tackling erosion caused by excessive compacting of the ground and the formation of a limestone crust, and the disappearance of Aleppo pines which have left gaps in the tree cover.
“The idea is to stop the degradation of certain parts that have been affected by human footfall, erosion and loss of vegetation in an area that is busy with visitors but its condition detracts from the aesthetics of the countryside,” explained councillor for natural heritage Inmaculada Chazarra, who visited the area with council technicians on Friday.
This will be in addition to the recent project by the town hall and water company Hidraqua, which consisted of constructing five lakes in the area fed from local wastewater treatment stations to create an artificial wetland, and planting over 15,000 shrubs, trees and grasses.
The council’s ultimate aim is to improve the landscape, increase biodiversity, eradicate areas degraded by serious erosion, and create a large natural area for relaxation and recreation, the councillor emphasised.
A wide variety of vegetation will be planted, including tetraclinis ( known as Cartagena cypress), olive trees, Aleppo pine, argan, mastic, caper, fan/ dwarf palm, African sandalwood, esparto grass, nerium oleander and carob.
Orihuela
San Cristóbal picnic and nature area in Raiguero de Bonanza in Orihuela has been revamped and is open again to visits.
Some old and damaged picnic tables and benches have been repaired and replacements have been installed by the local department for the environment.
Access is free, but those interested in using the facilities must book them in advance at the environment department.