‘Serranías en Recuperación’ is a pilot programme that supports initiatives on member farms to reduce erosion, improve water management and promote the recovery of soil and vegetation.
Episodes of heavy rain have exacerbated problems that were already present on some farms: gully erosion, loss of fertile soil and surface runoff that carries away materials and hinders water utilisation. Addressing this damage requires an understanding of how each plot of land functions and tailoring interventions to its specific needs.
The programme combines assessment and technical support with practical measures, training and collaborative work. Through small-scale retention structures, measures to promote infiltration and revegetation with adapted species, it aims to help water remain in the landscape for longer and reduce its erosive potential.
‘Serranías en Recuperación’ forms part of the process of drawing up our Landscape Plan. As a pilot scheme, it will enable us to learn from the interventions and draw on specific experiences to guide future actions in the area.
What we do
Project objectives
- To reduce soil loss and halt erosion processes on member farms.
- To improve water infiltration and runoff control.
- To promote the recovery of vegetation and biodiversity.
- To provide technical and material support for measures tailored to each farm.
- To raise awareness of landscape restoration amongst students, volunteers and professionals in the region.
- To generate knowledge and experience that can be applied on other farms.
What actions are going to be taken?
- Site visits to identify eroded areas and analyse water flow.
- Prioritisation and design of interventions based on the needs of the farms and the resources available.
- Stabilising gullies and creating small structures to slow down runoff and retain sediment.
- Measures to improve infiltration and protect the soil.
- Revegetation and support using seeds and seedlings of adapted species.
- Practical training sessions with vocational training centres specialising in agriculture, forestry and landscaping.
- Volunteering initiatives and training on water management and erosion control.
- Monitoring of activities carried out in conjunction with the participating estates to support their upkeep and continuity.
Where and when
The programme takes place on farms that are members of Serranías Vivas, within our area of operation in the Grazalema and Ronda mountain ranges and the surrounding area.
Status: underway.
Organisations and funding
‘Serranías en Recuperación’ is run by Serranías Vivas, with technical support from Fundación Grazalema Regenerativa and the involvement of local farms, training centres and volunteers.
The programme is supported by Commonland and the Arbutus Foundation, as part of the Regenerative Territories Network.
Would you like to take part or find out more?
Write to us at info@serraniasvivas.org and we’ll tell you how to get involved in the project.
