Ridimoas natural space shows recovery one year after wildfire

The Ridimoas protected natural space in O Ribeiro is showing signs of recovery one year after a wildfire destroyed nearly 300 hectares. Efforts led by project president Pablo Oitabén and numerous volunteers focused on preserving critical biodiversity, including wild cherry groves and endangered amphibian populations. To protect delicate organisms, some amphibians were temporarily moved to controlled environments.

Conservation efforts have been supported by scientific expertise from the Universities of Vigo and Madrid. Recent activities include planting oak, chestnut, alder, and walnut trees using seeds from the original forest, as well as introducing climate-resilient species like cork oaks. The project also works to eradicate invasive mimosas.

These recovery efforts occur amid a broader trend in Spain where climate change and rural abandonment are increasing wildfire risks. Traditionally ‘non-flammable’ ecosystems, such as beech forests, are increasingly vulnerable due to intense heatwaves, persistent droughts, and the loss of managed agricultural and grazing lands, which leaves continuous vegetation that acts as fuel.