Hanson – Heidelberg Cement

Objective

The main objective of the comprehensive restoration performance carried out on the site, were to give back to the area the uses it had before the extraction, when its uses were mainly agricultural. Moreover, they tried to recover the original Jarama river wetlands areas which unfortunately almost disappeared in the region.

Context

On the significant restoration works, particular attention was given to the setting up of spaces able to house a typical fauna from river basins. The creation of these artificial wetlands resulted in an increase in birds visiting the area. Furthermore, thanks to the special characteristics of the area, concerning nature areas, vegetation and habitats diversity, some bird species are now nesting permanently. We must mention the target of recovering the original uses given to this fertile lowland, obtaining by this means restored lands appropriate for agricultural uses, such as the harvest gathered since the restoration has undertaken.

Solution

Several lake areas were created, including seven islands with different morphology and beach areas sheltered from the strong winds of the region. Some islands bare of vegetation were prepared to be used as a roosting area for the different birds.

Among the development works, it is necessary to stress the planting of 5900 native specimens of different species, a restocking of fish and a section to encourage the development of weak species.

Result

The restoration works, led to a recovery or even an improvement in some degraded and deserted areas. A bird-watching observatory was established. The company has donated the restored area to the Community of Madrid.

The project is finalised and the site is now closed, the biodiversity values are still good or even better.

This case won the First Prize on the 2007 ANEFA’s National Sustainable Development Awards on the Environmental Area at the Category Restoration.

For more details, please check http://www.medioambienteyaridos.org and especially http://www.medioambienteyaridos.org/pdfs/Premios07.pdf.