Alicante volunteers plant 1,000 trees in major reforestation drive

Alicante recently celebrated a successful Spring Reforestation project in Mount Orgegia, which saw some 1,000 volunteers plant more than 1,000 trees, shrubs and seeds in an area of 10,000 square metres. The project, which took place on Saturday, March 21, was part of an initiative called Alicante Renace, aimed at increasing biodiversity in the area, as well as ecological awareness and recovery.

Hundreds of new plants introduced to the Mount Orgegia area

The volunteers planted roughly 700 trees, 300 Mediterranean shrubs, 14 large carob trees and around one million herbaceous seeds in the Mount Orgegia area, a park that covers 77 hectares in the northernmost area of the Alicante province.

The project is essential for the ecological recovery of the area, as well as promoting the biodiversity of the flora and fauna that call the park home. The trees, shrubs and herbaceous species improve the soil stability, promote water infiltration and increase the area’s resilience against climate change.

Benefits to the environment: Improving soil quality, removing invasive species and more

Carob trees in particular are a standout addition, and were selected for their drought resistance, their ability to improve the fertility of the soil and their contribution to capturing carbon.

The 1,000,000 herbaceous seeds will allow for early soil cover, reducing erosion, increasing organic matter, and promoting biological activity and biodiversity, including pollinators and beneficial fauna.

In addition to the planting of these trees and plants, a drip irrigation system was also installed and connected to the recycled water network; and processionary caterpillars, a highly invasive species that cause severe ecological damage by defoliating trees and posing serious health risks to humans and animals due to their thousands of toxic hairs that cause skin rashes, eye irritation, and respiratory issues, were removed.

Nest boxes and insect shelters have also been planned for the area, aiming to further promote biodiversity and bring balance to Mount Orgegia’s ecosystem.

What is Alicante Renace?

Alicante Renace is a large-scale ecological restoration project led by the Asociación Enamorados de Alicante, along with support from local institutions like the Alicante City Council and the regional government. With more than 10 years of experience in ecological initiatives, their contributions include: reforesting degraded areas with native species; restoring soil health and preventing erosion; using recycled water systems for sustainable irrigation; boosting biodiversity (including plants, insects, and wildlife habitats); organising volunteer events and environmental education.