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Thousands of shrubs and bushes planted at Lorca Castle
More than 1,500 native plants and trees will adorn the hillside near Lorca Castle viewpoint
Lorca Castle is now the focus of a large-scale environmental restoration initiative aimed at preserving the historic site and its surroundings for future generations. The project, spearheaded by the Town Council, combines sustainability with job creation, enhancing both the landscape and local employment opportunities.
"Lorca Castle is the most valuable heritage site in the municipality and constitutes, together with its surroundings, a beautiful natural space, a treasure that we must care for and protect so that future generations can enjoy it. For this reason, we decided to launch this type of initiative in order to maintain and care for the different spaces in the municipality with actions based on sustainability and care for the environment," explained María Hernández, Councilor for the Environment.
The project involves the planting of more than 1,500 native shrubs and trees, including wild olive, mastic and tetraclinis, throughout the hillside area near the Castle viewpoint.
The work is being carried out by staff employed through the Regional Employment Councils Program, part of a collaboration between the Department of Employment and the Lorca Council. The Parks and Gardens Department is overseeing the work to ensure best practices in environmental restoration.
In preparation for the replanting, workers first removed dead pine trees and cleared space for the new vegetation. Special attention is being given to establishing an effective irrigation system to help the young plants take root and thrive.
These efforts are not only about planting trees as the initiative will also contribute to restoring the ecosystem, preventing soil erosion and creating habitats for native wildlife, Ms Hernández explained.
This reforestation project is funded through a collaboration between the State Public Employment Service (SEPE) and Lorca Town Council. The initiative focuses on employing unemployed agricultural workers from Spain's Special System for Self-Employed Agricultural Workers.
For more local information, news and what’s on visit the home page of Lorca Today
Images: Ayuntamiento de Lorca
Address
Plaza de Espana, 30800 LorcaTel: 968 441914 (Fax 968 466157)
Oficina de Turismo de Lorca
The rich and extensive history of Lorca has left a legacy of archaeological sites, and historic buildings, around which the modern City has built its tourism industry. Amongst these are Lorca Castle, the Jewish Quarter of the castle and Synagogue, 
Plaza de España, Colegiata de San Patricio, Museo de Arqueologico Municipal, Iglesia de San Francisco, Casa Huerto Ruano, Palacio de Guevara, Iglesia de San Mateo, Pósito de los Panaderos, Convento Virgen de las Huertas, Antiguo Convento de la Merced, Iglesia del Carmen and the Teatro Guerra.
Unfortunately Lorca has also been prone to natural disaster, suffering a Gota Fría on September 28th 2012, as well as an earthquake which measured 5.3 on the Richter scale on 11th May 2011 and claimed 9 lives. Since this earthquake the city has been rebuilding, winning recognition for its Lorca, Open for Restoration initiative, which used the restoration of the city as a tourist attraction whilst it rebuilt its historical buildings, some of which are currently still not open.
The tourist office itself has temporarily relocated until the renovations are completed and is on Calle San Patricio near the church.
Lorca also has an area of coastline incorporating the Parque Regional de Cabo Cope - Puntas de Calnegre, in the Sierra de Almenara, which includes the beaches of, Puntas de Calnegre, Baño de las Mujeres, San 
Pedro, El Siscal, Cala Honda, Cuartel del Ciscar, Junquera, Cala de la Gruta, Cala Leña, Los Hierros, Cala Blanca and Playa Larga, although many are accessible only through agricultural exploitations.
However, in spite of its many attractions, the name of Lorca is synonymous with Easter, (Semana Santa) its biblical parades of International Tourist Interest status and famous throughout Spain. The week includes a 
series of parades in which the whites (Paso Blanco) and blues (Paso Azúl) try to outdo each other with the magnificence of their embroideries and the skill and daring of their horsemen.
Lorca also has a Parador hotel, located within the complex of its historic castle.
Opening hours for Lorca Tourist Office:
- Monday to Friday: 10.00 to 14.00 and 16.30 to 19.00.
- Saturday: 10.00 to 14.00 and 16.30 to 18.30.
- Sunday: 10.00 to 14.00.
For more local news, events and visiting information go to the home page of Lorca Today
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