Huerto Pio
Interesting article on the Huerto Pio, a natural park near to La Union, Murcia, Spain.
Huerto Pio - La Union - Murcia - Spain
The Huerto Pio is an old farm that once belonged to Pio Wandossell, one of the most prominent of the mine owners of the La Union area. A native of Almeria, he worked his way up from being an ordinary miner and succeeded in becoming wealthy and famous, buying the farm and living there with his family.
After his death some 4.05 hectares of land were donated to the ‘Fundación Sierra Minera’, and is financed through European funding and the PRODER programme, which was inaugurated in October 2001.
The park contains over 2000 plants of 40 different species, all native to the Sierra Minera region of Murcia. There is also a completely restored water wheel, the ground floor of which has been turned into a visitor’s centre, where one can discover all about the park and its objectives.
The water wheel, or ‘Ñoria’ (dating back to the 19th century and in regular use into the 1950’s) is in full working order, and the water which it provides is stored in the nearby ‘balsa’ or pool, and then it is used to irrigate all of the park. All around the pool various species of local endangered plants are to be seen.
The main objectives of the Fundación are to re-discover the traditional farming techniques and to re-introduce many of the native species of plants and trees within the park, especially the sabina mora.
There is also a small observatory where many local species of birds can be seen, and a greenhouse area, the Umbraculo, where rare local plants are propagated, both for use in the park, and for sale to the public.
The other main aim is to create within the park an educational resource promoting traditional agricultural methods and their environmental issues.
Many of the plants found within the park have medicinal properties, and aromatic herbs, which can be used in the kitchen.
The project is still in its infancy, but is well worth supporting. Opening times are restricted (due to staff shortages) to Fridays 9.00am-2.00pm/4.00pm-6.00pm but the first weekend of each month sees the ‘Huerto Pio’ open on Saturday and Sunday. Private visits can be arranged by phoning 968 540 344 or 670 086 347.
You can find the Huerto Pio on the F40 road from La Union to Los Camachos.
Article provided by kind permission of The Leader Newspaper.
Nearby Places: La Union - Calblanque - Aguilas - Fortuna
Golf Courses: Roda Golf Resort - Mar Menor Golf Resort - Spain Golf Courses
Related: Murcia - Cartagena - Los Alcazares - Mar Menor - San Javier - La Manga - Mazarron - Murcia Airport Transfers - Builders
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