In Soto del Real, a new edible forest project began with a commitment to improve air quality, curb climate change, and offer a living classroom for neighbors to explore nature up close. This initiative demonstrates how urban green space can become a multifunctional asset that supports health, education, and community cohesion.
The forest was launched through a collaboration among the Municipality of Soto de Real, local environmental nonprofit Friends of the Earth, and the World Biological Corridor, with dozens of trees and shrubs planted in its early stages. Species include walnut and olive trees, as well as almond, apple, pear, fig, and cherry trees, alongside hawthorn and aromatic roses and other native shrubs. The diverse composition is designed to attract pollinators, stabilize soil, and provide year-round food and shelter for wildlife while enriching the landscape for residents.
The plan calls for planting about a thousand trees in phased work, with involvement from district schools to help educate younger generations. The ongoing care and stewardship will be led by Friends of the Earth and the Cultural Society of Chozas de la Sierra. Beyond producing healthy foods, the forest is expected to purify air and water, improve soil health, and boost biodiversity. It will also function as a nature classroom where visitors can learn about ecosystem services, plant biology, and the value of local food production.
Supporters of Soto del Real’s Edible Forest share a common belief that such green spaces can transform unused land into living laboratories for the community. The forest’s design makes it adaptable to a range of settings, from vacant lots to parks, and it can be implemented on private property or former farmland, turning neglected spaces into productive greenscapes for learning and enjoyment.
As one advocate noted, this municipal food forest embodies a step toward a future where citizens, governments, and businesses collaborate to restore the common heritage of the land. The project represents a practical example of how local action can nurture biodiversity, create resilient urban ecosystems, and foster environmental literacy among residents.
Leaders emphasize that this moment aligns with a broader global push to increase tree cover and community-led conservation. The initiative in Soto del Real highlights the power of local participation to shape greener, healthier neighborhoods and demonstrates how small-scale projects can contribute to large-scale environmental goals. The emphasis on community involvement and educational value underscores a shift toward experiential learning, where people of all ages can observe plant growth, examine soil processes, and witness the tangible benefits of sustainable land use.
Additionally, the project reflects a growing trend toward using nature-based solutions to address urban challenges. By prioritizing native species, soil health, and water filtration capacity, the edible forest is positioned to deliver long-term environmental rewards while serving as an accessible hub for residents to connect with nature, practice stewardship, and share knowledge about local food systems. The emphasis on hands-on learning ensures that discussions about climate resilience translate into real-world actions within the community.
In December of the previous year, Soto del Real joined the World Biological Corridor as part of its commitment to sustainable transition in Spain. The initiative is frequently cited as a model of citizen-led action that can inspire similar efforts in other municipalities, encouraging more inclusive governance and local ownership of natural resources. The collaboration among municipal authorities, non-governmental organizations, and international networks demonstrates how multi-stakeholder partnerships can mobilize resources, expertise, and enthusiasm toward common environmental goals.