Barcelona recovers more than 40% of the trees and shrubs affected by the drought
Since the replanting last autumn, and taking into account the favourable conditions this spring with lots of rain, the city of Barcelona has recovered more than 40% of the trees and shrubs affected by the drought.
All those plants and trees that could not be planted during the months of water restrictions were planted in the first quarter of the year. The recovery work on the area will be ongoing until spring 2026, and there are also plans to transform green spaces by introducing more resilient species that require less water. The aim is to plant 7,500 trees plus 8.2 hectares of shrubs and perennials.
In specific terms the following have been planted:
- A total of 3,285 individual trees have been planted all across the city, out of the 7,500 that are needed to reach the number that existed in Barcelona before the drought, counting those that were affected by ordinary diseases, those that suffered from the effects of the drought, and those that it was not possible to replant during this period.
- A total of 8.2 hectares of shrubs and perennials were affected by the drought. So far, 3.9 hectares have been recovered.
- In terms of grassy areas, 52.5 hectares were lost, of which 2.13 hectares have now been reseeded.
As well as planting, work is also continuing on improving and revamping green spaces as part of the Pla Endreça’s comprehensive maintenance plan. This year, work is being done on some fifteen squares, parks and gardens with a view to improving the greenery and introducing species that are more resilient to water scarcity.
To complete this process, the City Council has applied to the government for an ERDF grant to improve and transform some of the city’s green spaces. These are projects with a budget allocation of 3.3 million euros that are scheduled to be carried out between now and 2028, aiming to remove paving from some areas, improve urban planning and irrigation, replant greenery, and improve ecological connectivity and biodiversity structures. These are the central flowerbeds in Poblenou Park, Passeig de les Bateries and the Forestier steps in Montjuïc, the area around the Font del Cuento in Guinardó Park and the flowerbeds on the streets bordering Turó de la Peira Park.
Trees and other forms of vegetation have a key role to play, both in terms of quality of life for local residents, and in the decarbonization process. First-rate parks and gardens, where nature is allowed to flourish and biodiversity is encouraged, help to make the city more resilient to the adverse effects of climate change, and improve the daily lives of local people, who can enjoy spending time in pleasant outdoor spaces.
