Orihuela River Segura restoration receives €3.3 million boost for greener future

Orihuela’s River Segura has been given a greener future, with more than €3.3 million confirmed for a major project that has restored riverside areas, tackled invasive plants and helped improve protection against flooding.

Work has focused on restoring areas around Las Norias, Molino de la Ciudad, La Campaneta and Soto del Regueron in Molins, as well as stretches of riverbank around Orihuela.

The project has helped improve the natural environment along the Segura while making riverside areas more attractive and accessible for the people who live nearby.

Invasive plants removed from riverbanks

A major part of the project involved removing invasive species, particularly cane. Dense growth can block the river’s flow and potentially worsen problems when water levels rise.

Native riverside plants were introduced in their place, helping to restore natural habitats, strengthen riverbanks and create healthier green spaces.

Replacing invasive vegetation with native species has also helped improve biodiversity along the river and create a more natural environment for wildlife.

The work formed part of wider efforts to improve the condition of the Segura and ensure the river and its surroundings can be enjoyed while also playing an important environmental role.

Greener spaces created for residents

But the project was not just about plants. Another aim was to make the riverside areas more attractive and accessible, encouraging residents and visitors to enjoy the Segura and reconnect with an important part of Orihuela’s landscape.

Environment councillor Noelia Grao said the river should be seen as an important green space for the municipality, both environmentally and socially.

The improvements have helped transform stretches of the riverbank into areas that can be appreciated as part of everyday life in Orihuela rather than simply being viewed as flood-control infrastructure.

Improving protection against flooding

The project also used nature-based measures to make the area better prepared for future flooding.

Restoring vegetation and improving the condition of the riverbanks have helped strengthen the natural environment and its ability to cope with periods of heavy rainfall and rising water levels.

Residents are now being asked to help look after the restored areas by respecting wildlife and plants and keeping the riverbanks free from rubbish, garden waste and rubble.

The council hopes that protecting the restored areas will allow the environmental improvements to become firmly established, creating a cleaner, greener and more resilient River Segura for the whole community.