La Implementation of environmental regeneration in Soto de ViƱuelasIn the Madrid municipality of Tres Cantos, the project has become a reality with the distribution of thousands of plants to help restore the area devastated by the wildfire this summer. The initiative focuses on restoring both the landscape and the ecological value of the surrounding area, which was compromised by the fire.
In total, the The Community of Madrid has distributed 3.400 plants The project involves planting ornamental shrubs and native species adapted to the environment, with the aim of accelerating the recovery of the affected residential area. This action is part of a broader package of support measures for residents and businesses damaged by the fire.
A committed action towards regeneration after the fire
The decision to deliver 3.400 plant specimens to the Soto de ViƱuelas area It was announced by the regional president, Isabel DĆaz Ayuso, during her visit to Tres Cantos on August 14, a few days after the fire. Since then, the regional government has been finalizing the timeline and scope of the environmental and social interventions related to this event.
As reported by the Regional Government of the Community of MadridThe priority is for residents to gradually restore the appearance of their streets, gardens, and common areas, while simultaneously protecting the soil and promoting the return of biodiversity. The distribution of plants is intended as a first visible step within a broader recovery strategy.
The action has been structured through the Instituto MadrileƱo de InvestigaciĆ³n y Desarrollo Rural, Agrario y Alimentario (IMIDRA ā Madrid Institute of Rural, Agricultural and Food Research and Development), public body responsible for both the supply of plants and technical advice on which species are most suitable for an area that has suffered fire stress.
The Community emphasizes that the combination of environmental measures and direct aid It will allow not only the replacement of lost trees and shrubs, but also the support of residents and the productive sector that was affected by the disaster.
Distribution of 3.400 plants: ornamental shrubs and native flora
Of the total number of plants delivered, 1.800 are ornamental shrubs These plants will be primarily used in landscaped areas, driveways, and public spaces within the residential area. They consist of 900 photinia plants and 900 viburnum plants, two species widely used in landscaping for their hardiness and ability to provide greenery for much of the year.
These shrubs have been donated within the framework of the collaboration agreement between IMIDRA and the Madrid Federation of Municipalities (FMM), which allows the channeling of plant resources and technical support to the municipalities that need it, especially after episodes such as forest fires.
Along with these shrubs, the regeneration device includes 1.600 native plants from regional nurseries from Arganda del Rey and El Escorial. These species have been selected for their ability to adapt to the climate and soil type of the northern area of āāthe Community of Madrid.
Among the distributed varieties are hawthorns, blackthorns, strawberry trees, rockroses, laurels, hydrangeas, kermes oaks and hawthornsThese are all common in Mediterranean and low mountain environments. Their presence helps to restore the vegetation structure prior to the fire and provides shelter and food for local wildlife.
The selection of this catalogue of species responds to the objective of to promote ecological regeneration that is as natural as possibleavoiding the introduction of plants that could alter the balance of the ecosystem or require excessive maintenance by the residents and the council.
Technical work of IMIDRA and recovery of damaged soils
Beyond the distribution of plants, IMIDRA is developing technical actions to ensure a sustainable recovery from the burned area. One of the lines of work is the collection of reproductive material from local species, taking advantage of the remaining vegetation not affected by the fire.
In this context, teams from the Institute have carried out the seed collection on the banks of the Bodonal streamAn area near the affected zone that still retains significant stands of trees and shrubs. Seeds from various species associated with these ecosystems have been collected there.
Among the species selected for this task are the holm oak, hawthorn and ashTrees and shrubs characteristic of the Community of Madrid that provide shade, structure, and diversity to the landscape. The goal is to multiply these local genetic resources at the Institute's own facilities.
The collected seeds are being cultivated in the IMIDR greenhouseswhere temperature, humidity, and irrigation conditions are controlled to ensure a good germination and development rate. Later, these new specimens can be used for future reforestation or to reinforce areas where natural regeneration is slower.
At the same time, the Institute's researchers are conducting a comprehensive monitoring of the condition of the soils affected by the fireAnalyzing its structure, organic matter content, and potential erosion processes. This information is key to deciding which management practices to apply and where more intensive action is needed.
Additional support measures for those affected
Environmental actions are accompanied by a package of aid and relief measures for the victims due to the Tres Cantos fire, with the intention of reducing the economic impact and facilitating the return to normality in the area.
Among these measures, the water tariff discount For affected residents, the variable portion of their bill will be reduced by 80% for a full year. This discount will help alleviate costs at a time when many families are facing repairs and replacements for damaged property.
The Community of Madrid has also focused on those who depend directly on the territory for their livelihood. In this regard, the following measures have been taken: 21 sheep from Colmenar Viejo were given to a farmer affected by the fire., in-kind aid that seeks to facilitate the resumption of its activity.
This delivery of livestock is intended to provide the affected professional with a minimum stock of animals with which to resume its exploitation as soon as possiblethus maintaining an economic activity linked to the rural environment and the traditional livestock farming of the region.
With these actions, the regional government is reiterating its simultaneous commitment to environmental recovery and social support, trying to address both the visible damage to the landscape and the consequences that the fire has had on the daily lives of the residents.
The delivery of 3.400 plants, the technical work of IMIDRA, and the direct aid to residents and professionals constitute a response that seeks rebuild the Soto de ViƱuelas area from a comprehensive approachCombining ecological restoration, improvement of the urban environment and economic support, so that the area affected by the Tres Cantos fire can gradually recover its activity and environmental value.
