Donostia/San Sebastian removes invasive species from mount Oberan to encourage the growth of the native forest

07/10/2025

The work, which is part of the LIFE IP Urban Klima 2050 project, was carried out using mechanical techniques without chemical products, so as to minimise environmental impact. 

This summer, Donostia/San Sebastian City Council carried out work on mount Oberan aimed at restoring native vegetation and improving the local ecosystem. This work is part of the LIFE IP Urban Klima 2050 project, under C.4.2 Key green infrastructure for improving urban-rural connection and the resilience of the territory. 

During the work carried out in August, various invasive plant species were removed, such as pokeweed (Phytolacca americana), summer lilac (Buddleja davidii) and pampas grass (Cortaderia selloana), which had colonised different areas of the woodland. Lawson cypress and American oak seedlings were also removed, along with tree regrowth from previous reforestation projects. 

All the work was carried out using mechanical methods, without resorting to chemical products, so as to minimise the environmental impact and encourage natural restoration of the land. 

It is hoped that these actions will ensure the spontaneous regeneration of the native oak forest. Specimens of common oak (Quercus robur) and birch (Betula pendula), species that are native to the Atlantic forest and contribute to the recovery of the original habitat, are already appearing in the area. 

Reforestation work on Mount Oberan, which is part of the Aiako Harria Natural Park, a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) included in the Natura 2000 Network, began in 2020.