Collserola park restrictions cripple Sabadell and Sant Cugat excursion clubs

The detection of African swine fever in November in the Collserola Natural Park led the Catalan government to close large sections of the area, including the Sabadell surroundings. The Union Excursionista de Sabadell (UES) has had to suspend many of its events – cross‑country skiing, Nordic walking, the Llanera Trail and other activities – citing economic strain. Vice‑president Maite Santasuana said the restrictions have “affected us financially, as a non‑profit entity that needs income to organise even free activities.”

Excursionist groups in Sant Cugat, notably the Centre Excursionista de Catalunya and the Club Muntanyenc Sant Cugat with about 2,000 members, have also been forced to move training to urban parks, lose participants and cancel traditional outings such as the Montserrat walk and the Marxa Infantil. The clubs are demanding a clear recovery plan from the Generalitat, warning that the lack of a timetable hampers their planning. Club president Jaume Llugany said, “We have no idea when it will reopen.”