The Maritime-Terrestrial National Park of the Atlantic Islands of Galicia took a new step in the recovery of its terrestrial ecosystems by collecting 8,386 native seeds during the 2025 campaign. The objective is to produce plants from species native to the islands in order to advance the restoration of natural habitats following the removal of invasive species such as Eucalyptus and Acacia melanoxylon.
The collection of seeds makes it possible to preserve genetic material adapted to the environmental conditions of the islands and their coastal surroundings, increasing the chances of success of future restoration actions.
The seeds belong to seven species characteristic of Atlantic forests and shrublands: Crataegus monogyna (2,850 viable seeds), Arbutus unedo (2,678), Ilex aquifolium (1,374), Laurus nobilis (1,000), Pyrus cordata, Quercus pyrenaica and Quercus robur.
The work was carried out on the islands of Faro, Monteagudo and Ons, as well as in Hío, Aldán and Cabo Udra, in O Morrazo. These areas were selected because they present climatic, geographical and environmental conditions similar to those of the sites targeted for restoration.
At present, the seeds are being cultivated in the National Park's nurseries following specific conservation and germination protocols. In addition to restoring native vegetation, these actions contribute to improving soils, promote the natural dispersal of seeds by wildlife, and create new shelters and food resources for birds and invertebrates.
This campaign is part of a programme launched in 2021, which has already made it possible to gather more than 34,900 viable seeds to supply the National Park's ecological restoration projects and consolidate a genetic base for future conservation.
