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Yecla to transform Las Celadillas into eco-tourism hub
A restoration project will turn the area into a space for nature, leisure and environmental education
Yecla is preparing to unveil a new green space, aimed at boosting tourism, sustainability and environmental education. The "Las Celadillas" area, which lies next to the local wastewater treatment plant, will soon be transformed into a vibrant area for nature lovers and families to enjoy.
On Tuesday May 6, the mayor of Yecla, Remedios Lajara, announced the landscape restoration project, which will cover 27,000 square metres. This area, which already plays a key role in storing treated and recycled water, responsible for almost 100% of the town’s water supply, will be reimagined to offer much more than just its environmental function.
“This will be a new space for tourism, recreation, but above all, for outreach and respect for the environment,” said Mayor Lajara. “It will join other natural areas like the Chicharra Greenway, close by. Yecla is also nature, regeneration and the future.”
Part of the Yecla Es+ Tourism Sustainability Plan, this project is focused on restoring wetlands, reintroducing habitats and creating a public space for visitors. The initiative has received investment of €155,955.60, with €128,888.88 of the funding coming from the EU’s Next Generation programme.
Plans for the restoration include rewilding the area with nearly 1,000 new plants, from trees like Aleppo pine, olive and mulberry to shrubs such as lavender, rosemary and esparto grass. The aim is to foster local biodiversity while creating a space that the public can explore and enjoy.
In addition, the area will offer a range of recreational and educational facilities. These include picnic areas, play zones for children and open-air classrooms. Information signs will be placed throughout the site, explaining the importance of water reuse and the local ecosystem.
One of the main attractions will be a birdwatching hut, allowing visitors to spot local species like grebes, moorhens and stilts, as well as migratory birds like egrets and sandpipers. A viewpoint will provide stunning views over the restored wetlands, and a new parking area will be designed to accommodate pedestrians, cyclists and cars.Once completed, the Las Celadillas project is set to become a popular spot for locals and visitors alike, offering a peaceful environment for relaxation and learning.
Image: Ayuntamiento de Yecla
