Work starts on new thermophilic forest at the entrance of Adeje
Adeje Council has begun preparatory works for the creation of a new 35,000-square-metre thermophilic forest at the entrance to the town centre, transforming currently arid, degraded land into a major new green zone aimed at improving the landscape, capturing carbon, and providing much-needed shade.
The plot, often used temporarily for large events or parking, including the lantern park recently, will be regenerated through the planting of 29 native and acclimatised species designed to establish a dry–temperate transitional ecosystem typical of south Tenerife.
The new thermophilic forest will form an ecological link between the coastal cardonal–tabaibal zone and the island’s mid-altitude areas. It will feature hardy tree and shrub species such as junipers, wild olives, mastic trees, and palms, plants capable of withstanding heat and drought while stabilising soil, storing carbon, and offering habitat for local wildlife.
Land preparation underway
The first phase, now in progress, focuses on clearing, repairing, and conditioning the land to ensure optimal planting conditions. Once this preparation is complete, machinery will excavate pits measuring two metres wide, long, and deep. These will later be filled with a fertile substrate before installing a drip-irrigation system to deliver water directly to each plant and facilitate monitoring for pests.
Sustainable and circular approach
The project prioritises circular-economy principles: irrigation will use treated water from the municipal wastewater plant, and soil enhancement will rely on organic compost derived from green waste such as pruning debris, garden cuttings, forestry material, and fruit and vegetable residues. This stabilised aerobic compost improves soil structure, balances pH levels in acidic or saline soils, and boosts nutrient absorption.
If work continues on schedule, planting is expected to begin in around two months.
Adeje’s mayor, José Miguel Rodríguez Fraga, emphasised the municipality’s commitment to reducing its carbon footprint, calling the forest “another step forward in creating a sustainable town that respects its surroundings”. He also announced plans to design and develop additional green spaces in other areas of the municipality, expanding Adeje’s natural zones and strengthening its environmental strategy.
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