Parques de Sintra reuses fallen wood in Monserrate to regenerate soil and help retain carbon

Parques de Sintra is transforming fallen wood in the Park of Monserrate into woodchip, applying it to the soil as organic mulch, as part of the extensive recovery works following recent severe weather, and also implementing this measure in other sites under the company’s management.

The technique, simple and effective, consists of shredding wood resulting from fallen trees and safety interventions and reusing it within the same area, returning organic matter to the soil and contributing to a more sustainable cycle. Instead of sending this material for disposal or resorting to burning, the woodchip is applied as organic mulch, helping to protect the soil, improve its health and retain part of the carbon in the ground for longer.

In addition to its potential contribution to carbon retention, this solution brings immediate benefits to the ecosystem, reducing erosion, increasing moisture retention, regulating soil temperature and creating more favourable conditions for microbial life, which is essential for the natural regeneration of affected areas. ‘Recovery is a long and demanding process. But it is now that it must be carried out rigorously, in order to safeguard the future, by applying solutions that respect nature and strengthen the resilience of the territory’, underlines João Sousa Rego, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Parques de Sintra.

This measure forms part of a broader response by Parques de Sintra to recovery and risk management, including the removal of hazardous trees, path clearance, slope stabilisation and continuous monitoring. The company also highlights that carbon retention in the soil depends on variables such as the type of wood, moisture and decomposition time, which is why the work is guided by technical criteria and sound environmental practices.