The Generalitat Valenciana and the València City Council have joined forces to enhance the presence of the yew tree (Taxus baccata) in the Jardines del Real. The initiative includes the introduction of two new specimens of this tree species, along with several plants from the Viburnum genus, which share a natural habitat with the yew.
The Conselleria de Medio Ambiente, through the Centre for Forest Research and Experimentation (CIEF), has provided the specimens as part of the European project LIFE Teixeres. The aim is to increase the representation of the yew tree in one of the city's historic and botanically valuable green spaces, where its presence was previously very limited and some trees had recently been lost.
The new yew trees, around eight years old, will not only contribute to the species' conservation but also help bring it closer to the public. This collaboration underscores the importance of connecting forest conservation policies with urban green infrastructure.
The LIFE Teixeres project, active since 2021, works towards the conservation and improvement of yew tree habitats in the Comunitat Valenciana, where natural populations are scarce and fragmented. This intervention represents a significant step in the recovery of this forest ecosystem.
The yew tree, classified as a monitored species by Valencian regulations, is one of the oldest trees on the planet, known for its extraordinary longevity and significant cultural symbolism. Its conservation is a priority for protecting the Valencian natural heritage.
