Categoría: On-line News

Restoration of dunes by cleaning wastes, invasive plant species and census of Chamaesyce peplis in Liencres (SAC of Liencres and Pas Estuary)

Photo of the volunteer group and members of the Directorate-General of Natural Environment of the Government of Cantabria who participated in this activity on Valdearenas Beach.

Last Saturday, 19 September 2015, a volunteer day of the LIFE+ Arcos project was held within the existing dune system of Valdearenas beach in Liencres. Personnel from the Directorate-General of Natural Environment attended (which belongs to the Directorate-General of Natural Environment of the Regional Ministry of Rural Affairs, Fisheries and Food of the Government of Cantabria).

The main objective of this activity was to raise awareness about the LIFE+Arcos project and its activities, especially within SCI Dunes of Liencres and the Pas Estuary.

Volunteers attended a presentation about the importance of these dune systems.

The day was organized by two technicians from the Nature Conservation Service of the aforementioned Directorate-General. It began with an introduction to the Natural Protected Area and to the dynamic and biological communities of the dune system’s ecosystem on the Cantabrian coast. It also included a presentation about the main problems this natural area faces.

One of the activities carried out during the day was the eradication of an invasive species, the Chamaesyce polygonifolia, an annual plant from the East Coast of North America that competes for space with other plants from the same genus, the Chamaesyce peplis. This natural area in Cantabria is the only area known to be home to this plant, and is classified as VULNERABLE in the Regional List of Threatened Species of Cantabria. A total of 30 litres of the invasive plant were extracted

Euphorbia polygonifolia (originating in North America) lives in the same area as the native species Euphorbia peplis.

At the peak of the volunteer day, we swept the area to locate specimens of the only known population of Chamaesyce peplis in Cantabria and gathered their location points via GPS. A total of 38 specimens of this species were found. Some of them were completely covered in sand due to strong winds, which means there were probably more specimens in the area than what we found.

Throughout the day, participants collected a total of three, 20-litre bags of different types of waste.

Participants’ expectations were met. We also met our goal to raise awareness about dune system habitats and the environment. Even so, there is still more work to be done to eradicate the invasive species threatening Chamaesyce peplis conservation.

Volunteers work to eradicate Chamaesyce polygonifolia and carry out a census of Chamaesyce peplis

12 noviembre, 2015
Dune restoration by collecting waste, invasive plants, seeds and by planting sea daffodil on Berria beach (SCI Santoña, Victoria and Joyel Marshes)

Participants of the NACAR programme pose on Berria beach, an area included in the Natura 2000 Network.

Once again, the Directorate-General of Natural Environment (Regional Ministry of Rural Affairs, Fisheries and Food of the Government of Cantabria) with collaboration from inmates from the El Dueso Penitentiary of the NACAR (Nature and Prison) programme, carried out a volunteer activity within the LIFE+ Arcos project at the Berria Beach dune system (Municipality of Santoña).

The activity was carried out by one Technician and two Forest Technicians from the Nature Conservation Service on 11 September 2015. They focused on restoring dune systems on the Cantabrian coast.

Participants attended a briefing about the protected area where the activity was going to take place.

The day started with an introduction to the Natural Protected Area, and to the dynamic and biological communities of dune system ecosystems on the Cantabrian coast. We used an educational sign located at the entrance of the beach, next to the car park.

After that explanation, we moved towards the frontal dune on Berria beach to collect specimens of plants uprooted by the tide. Sea daffodil (Pancratium maritimum) bulbs were found and transplanted to areas devoid of vegetation later that day.

On the way back we walked inside the dune system and collected a small amount of fringed pink (Dianthus hyssopifolius) and Virginia stock (Matthiola sinuata) to plant in the El Dueso Penitentiary Gardening Workshop nursery centre. The plants will be used in future activities within the NACAR project. The seeds and some cuts of crossworts (Cruccianella maritima) were given to the El Dueso Penitentiary Gardening Workshop instructor so they can practice with these species.

During the entire walk, we extracted and collected 60 litres of different types of waste.

Photo of volunteers extracting common ragweed within the marked area.

The last activity was to manually and carefully extract specimens of the entire existing population of common ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia) in the tertiary dune area of Berria beach to prevent its creeping rhizome from re-growth. We also extracted around 15 very young specimens of another invasive species, the Adam’s needle (Yucca gloriosa)—its roots were extracted with hand shovels. A few specimens of horseweed (Coniza canadensis) were also extracted. A total of approximately 40 litres of invasive plants were extracted.

We eradicated invasive plants in two areas. The first was around 738 m2, where the vast majority of the common ragweed population is located and where all the Adam’s needles extracted in the tertiary dune area are located. The second area, located in a secondary dune, was around 64 m2. Only common ragweed was extracted from the second area.

The areas where we eradicated invasive plants were marked off with tape and wood posts to clear the area better and to eliminate 100% of the existing individuals. Since we also extracted common ragweed in this area during an activity on 12 June, this time we found just a few, small plants. This means the area is currently quite under control.

We met the goals of this dune system habitat restoration and environmental awareness day. Inmates expressed interest in participating in future volunteer days.

When the day ended, the inmates and educators from El Dueso Penitentiary, two interns and the Technician from the Nature Conservation Service of the Government of Cantabria posed for a photo to commemorate the magnificent day they spent conserving dune systems.

12 noviembre, 2015
News about the Life+ARCOS project on the Infonatur.es website

News published on the infonatur.com website
“Cantabrian communities join forces to save their fragile dune systems”

Date of online publication: 31/08/2015

[button link=»http://www.infonatur.es/es/noticias-de-inter%C3%A9s/noticias-infonatur-2000/352-comunidades-cantabricas-se-unen-para-salvar-sus-fragiles-sistemas-dunares.html» newwindow=»yes»] See publicaction[/button]

15 septiembre, 2015
Life+ARCOS meets some technicians from the Directorate General of Natural Environment of the Regional Government of Cantabria

On 14 August, Jesús Varás (director of the Liencres Dunes Natural Park) and Lourdes González (Director of the Santoña, Victoria and Joyel Marshes Natural Park) met with the Technicians from the Nature Conservation Service to present and explain the LIFE+ARCOS project to colleagues working in other areas of the Directorate-General of Natural Environment of the Regional Ministry of Rural Affairs, Fisheries and Food.

During the meeting, attendees received thematic portfolios on the LIFE+ARCOS subject “Conserving Cantabrian Dunes.» Then, we presented on the scope of action and the list of activities to develop, focusing on specific activities on Cantabrian beaches that form part of this project (Valdearenas, Loredo, Helgueras and Berria).

During the meeting, attendees asked interesting questions about species and activities in the Liencres pine forest.

Meeting in the Cantabria Science and Technology Park (PCTCAN), where the Technicians (from the Nature Conservation Service) meeting took place.

We also explained the value the NACAR (Nature and Prison) environmental volunteer programme (since 2004) has added to the LIFE+ARCOS project.

When the meeting ended, we agreed to keep them informed about the LIFE+ARCOS project as activities in the Cantabrian dune systems are carried out. We also talked about the possibility of creating a volunteer group for the Directorate-General of Natural Environment to carry out activities for the project. All attendees liked the idea and we plan to host a volunteer day in September or October 2015.

15 septiembre, 2015
Life+ARCOS meets the Major of the Piélagos Council

Meeting held between the mayor of Piélagos, Ms Verónica Samperio and Mr Jesús Varas, director of the Liencres Dunes Natural Park (Government of Cantabria)

On 3 August the director of the Liencres Dunes Natural Park, of the Directorate-General of Natural Environment of the Regional Ministry of Rural Affairs, Fisheries and Food of the Government of Cantabria (collaborating member of LIFE+ARCOS), Jesús Varas, held a meeting to meet the new mayor of Piélagos, Verónica Samperio. One of the meeting topics related with the Natural Park was introducing her to the LIFE+ARCOS project: “Conserving Cantabrian Dunes” and the activities being carried out in the Valdearenas dune system.

During the meeting, we explained the general scope of action of LIFE+ARCOS project and analysed the activities scheduled through 2018 within the Valdearenas dune system, one of the largest on the Cantabrian coast. Both parties agreed about the importance of tourism in the area and the need to plan activities to conserve this fragile habitat.

We also talked about continuing forward with the policy to eradicate invasive plants while prioritising mechanical control methods, planting and increasing threatened native species and installing sand collectors among the activities within the LIFE+ARCOS work programme. It is also advisable that dunes be temporarily closed to avoid alterations to the areas we have worked on.

The Mayor was interested in knowing more about the project’s activities and suggested holding occasional coordination meetings as well as carrying out a technical visit to Valdearenas beach to interact with the current state of Berria beach’s dune system and to evaluate existing public use infrastructure

11 agosto, 2015
Life+ARCOS team meets the major of the Noja Council and city councillorscity councillors

Meeting at the Council of Villa de Noja, (from left to right) Ms Mónica Cagigas Ocerin (councillor of Procurement, Personnel, Heritage and Treasury), Mr Francisco Javier Martín Vázquez (councillor of the Environment), Mr Miguel Ángel Ruiz Lavín (mayor of Noja), Mr Álvaro Torre Torralbo (councillor of Sports), Ms Lourdes González Azpiri (director of the Santoña, Victoria and Joyel Marshes Natural Park), and Ms Rocío Gándara Revuelta (councillor of Education, Social Services and Healthcare).

The LIFE+ARCOS project on Helgueras beach (Noja) will continue to do dune system conservation work from the Directorate-General of Forestry and Nature Conservation (currently the Directorate-General of Natural Environment) of the Regional Ministry of Rural Affairs, Fisheries and Food of the Government of Cantabria, which was already being carried out within the Santoña, Victoria and Joyel Marshes Natural Park.

As stated by the new Noja mayor, Miguel Ángel Ruíz Lavín , and his councillors, the director of the Santoña, Victoria and Joyel Marshes Natural Park of the Directorate-General of Natural Environment of the Regional Ministry of Rural Affairs, Fisheries and Food of the Government of Cantabria (collaborating member of LIFE+ARCOS), Ms Lourdes González Azpiri at the meeting held on 6 August at the Council of Noja.

Attendees received a thematic portfolio on the LIFE+ARCOS subject “Conserving Cantabrian Dunes” and learned about the scope of action and activities to be carried out on Helgueras Beach through 2018.

Estuary of Victoria lagoon and, in the back, the settlement of Noja.

The activities planned within the project (closing the dunes with wood posts and marine rope, eradicating invasive species and planting dune vegetation as main activities) are relevant to maintain the structure and dynamic of the dune system of Helgueras beach. During the presentation, the mayor expressed his interest in reading detailed information about the beach.

During the meeting, we talked about the car park problem on Noja’s beaches. We talked about carrying out an activity to mark off an area visitors currently use to park and talked about possible solutions for the municipality during the summer. These potential activities need to be evaluated and studied.

We also talked about the importance of ensuring dune structure maintenance in an area of the Helgueras dunes that shows signs of erosion. We focused on the importance of mechanical cleaning with a tractor (responsibility of the Council of Noja) on Helgueras and Ris beaches with enough distance from the front of the dune systems to ensure their conservation.

Mayor Miguel Ángel Ruiz set up a new meeting to talk about different aspects of this Natural Protected Area after summer.

11 agosto, 2015
Life+ARCOS attended a meeting with the Gozón councilman in charge of the environmental matters

Council of Gozón, located in Luanco, where the informational meeting took place.

The Council of Gozón, located in the village of Luanco, held a meeting on 4 August 2015 with representatives from the University of Oviedo (scientist team from the Atlantic Botanical Garden), coordinator of the Life+ARCOS project, and the head of the areas of Culture, Heritage and Education, councillor Mr Manuel Hernández Barrios.

During the meeting, Mr Alvaro Bueno Sánchez and Mr J. Ignacio Alonso Felpete explained the scope of the project and the activities planned for the Barayo dune system (SCI Cabo Busto-Luanco) and which will be carried out within the Life+ARCOS project.

After elections last May, members of the municipal corporation at the council of Gozón changed. Therefore, we explained the nature, scope and objectives of the LIFE programme in detail. We especially focused on the use of these European funds to improve the conservation of habitats and species protected by European legislation.

Ignacio Alonso and Manuel Hernández during the meeting at the Council of Gozón.

Mr Manuel Hernández, citizen of Verdicio and geographer, presented the main items that—with respect to managing the access to Carriciega and Tenrero beaches—could be of most interest to the corporation. During the conversation, he explained the project’s interest in actively recovering the tertiary dune system, as it was home to an old sports track up until a few years ago. He also talked about the urgent need to eradicate the large number of invasive species that are threatening the conservation of dune ecosystems. He also explained how the coastal route, which is currently cut off in the Verdicio residential area and diverted towards the dune system, has damaged these habitats.

The ARCOS team accepted the councillor of culture’s offer for part of the educational information resulting from the development of the ARCOS project be integrated into the demonstrative area known as «the traffic light” near Cabo de Peñas. This municipal management centre has fallen into disuse and, in the words of the councillor, will be used as a space for sharing the importance of coastal and marine biocenosis. Dune systems will fit in perfectly there.

The meeting concluded with all parties showing interest in promoting public education and participation in carrying out the Life+ARCOS project. Therefore, we proposed hosting a public presentation for citizens where we will explain the activities to be carried out.

4 agosto, 2015
Life+ARCOS held a meeting with local authorities from the Ribadesella Council

On 23 July 2015, members of the University of Oviedo-Atlantic Botanical Garden, coordinating member of the Life+ARCOS project, met at the city council house in Ribadesella to discuss the activities planned within the Life+ARCOS project with members of the municipal corporation, within the Site of Community Importance called “Vega Beach.”

Photo of the meeting with A. Bueno (University of Oviedo) and Ignacio Baldón and Patricia Toyos (Council of Ribadesella), from left to right.

The following people attended the meeting from the University of Oviedo: Mr Álvaro Bueno Sánchez and Mr J. Ignacio Alonso Felpete, as technical heads of the project; from the city council of Ribadesella: Mr Ignacio Baldó García, councillor of the environment and Ms Patricia Toyos González, surveyor from the council, who was accompanied by two employees of this section.

Attendees received a thematic portfolio on the LIFE+ARCOS subject “Conserving Cantabrian Dunes” and learned about the scope of action and activities to be carried out on Vega Beach through 2018.

The aerial photo of the protected area was used to talk about where the main activities will take place. We talked about the need to regulate access points to the beach, to eradicate exotic invasive species in dune areas—such as the Australian laurel (Pittosporum tobira), Arctoteca calendula or Stenotaphrum americanum and others that are present in fragments of the alder grove (a habitat that is also protected and prioritised by European legislation) at the final part of the river that flows into Vega Beach.

At the meeting there was also time to coordinate some municipal activities such as placement of lifeguard stands and mechanical cleaning work. The goal was to make sure these activities do not threaten protected species in the Regional Catalogue of Threatened Flora of Asturias.

The head of the Environment of the city council of Ribadesella’s knowledge of the area, resulting from having lived in the village of Vega for many years, enormously facilitated the conversation and discussion of information about the ownership of land bordering the Site of Community Importance.

The meeting concluded with council members interest in the project. They agreed to meet in September to discuss important public information functions about activities on Vega Beach and in the council of Ribadesella.

3 agosto, 2015
Life+ARCOS held a meeting with the authorities of the Santoña Council

Council of Santoña, Manzanedo Palace, where the meeting between the Life+ARCOS project representative and representatives from the Council of Santoña was held

On 23 July, the director of the Santoña, Victoria and Joyel Marshes Natural Park of the Directorate-General of Forestry and Nature Conservation of the Regional Ministry of Rural Affairs, Fisheries and Food of the Government of Cantabria (collaborating member of the LIFE+ARCOS project), Ms Lourdes González Azpiri, met with the Mayor of Santoña, Mr Sergio Abascal Azofra, and the Councillor of the Environment, Mr Fernando Palacio Ansola. They talked about items of interest within the Natural Protected Area and about the LIFE+ARCOS dune restoration project for Berria Beach (Santoña).

Attendees received a thematic portfolio on the LIFE+ARCOS subject “Conserving Cantabrian Dunes” and learned about the scope of action and activities to be carried out on Berria Beach through 2018. They were informed about the importance of the activities planned within the project (closing the dunes, installing sand collectors, eradicating invasive species and planting dune vegetation as main activities) to maintain the structure and dynamic of the dune system. We also insisted on the need for mechanical cleaning of the front side of the beach (responsibility of the Council of Santoña) that is far enough away from the dune to conserve its habitats. In reference to the volunteer activities, we explained the relationship the NACAR (Nature and Prison) environmental volunteer programme (since 2004) with the LIFE+ARCOS project with the activities scheduled for next autumn.

Ms Lourdes González, the mayor of Santoña, Mr Sergio Abascal and the Councillor of Environment, Mr Fernando Palacio during the meeting.

The Mayor and Councillor of Environment were interested in knowing more about the project’s activities and suggested carrying out a technical visit to Berria beach on 3 August to interact with the current state of Berria beach’s dune system and to evaluate existing public use infrastructure.

3 agosto, 2015
Life+ARCOS team finds a new population of the protected species Chamaesyce peplis in the Verdicio (Asturias) dune system

In the course of the Cantabrian dune system recovery actions within the activity of the Life+ARCOS project, on the Tenrero beach, Verdicio (Asturias), a population of the threatened species Chamaesyce peplis has been identified.

This species had already been listed by Damián Abril-San Juan for this protected space, in his end-of-degree project about the “Assessment of Plant Coverage in the Verdicio Dune System, Gozón (Asturias)”, but during 2014 the Life+ARCOS team in charge of collecting seeds for their preservation and use in re-introduction actions envisaged within the project were unable to find it.

“Sea spurge” specimen, displaying its still unripe fruits, each containing 3 seeds.

Chamaesyce peplis is a species that along with around twenty other taxa, are being preserved in the germoplasm banks in Iturrarán (Basque Country) and in the Atlantic Botanical Garden, where its germination capacity is being assessed and for its later use in restoring 10 dune ecosystems along the Cantabrian coast benefiting from this European project.

Sea spurge is an annual plant found on the tide line area of dunes and sandbanks, included within the Principality of Asturias Regional Catalogue of Threatened Flora Species under the “Endangered“ category. In the Communities of the Basque Country and Cantabria, this species is also included in the protection catalogues under the category of “Vulnerable“.

A direct census has been carried out on this population, producing an approximate figure of 150 specimens. This high number of specimens is particularly striking given the harsh environmental conditions faced by these plants over the past autumn-winter seasons, in which adverse weather conditions considerably altered the landscape.

The recreational use of the habitat where this species is developing – particularly intense over the summer season – can make it difficult for enough species to complete their life cycle (remember that they are annual plants), culminating with the production of seeds that allow it to regenerate year after year.

Other activities, such as beach cleaning with machinery, can cause irreparable damage to the numbers of this species.

Image displaying the census carried out on “sea spurge” populations located in Verdicio

Sea spurge is currently in full flower, and even though some plants have already begun to develop fruits, we must still wait for several weeks before collecting the seeds.

In the photograph you can see the still green fruits of this species (small and smooth trilocular capsules) each containing three seeds.

In the near future, once the seeds of this species have been collected, the University of Oviedo-Atlantic Botanical Garden scientific team will develop the most suitable cultivation protocols so as to reintroduce the Chamaesyce peplis back into the Cantabrian dune, where it has currently disappeared completely, or to reinforce enclaves where its numbers have been diminishing.

If you come across this species on a visit to Verdicio, please remember that it is protected and enjoy its presence without damaging it. It is a great privilege to see such a rare species along the coasts of the northern Iberian peninsula.

16 julio, 2015