What should be done with the eucalyptus tree that is a well-known landmark
outside the cemetery walls in Torrevieja? The tree is 3.6 metres in diameter
and has been a feature there for more than half a century. It is a rare species
of eucalyptus in Spain and is remembered and recognised by many visitors to
the town. However, its position and existence has been threatened by
Iberdrola’s plans to give more power to the desalination plant.
The news that it was to be moved caused great consternation amongst local
people. It has provided relief and solace for many on their journeys to and
from the cemetery and the idea that it should be re-located or even destroyed
has been met with horror.
It’s been under threat due to the laying of additional electricity cable needed to
double the capacity of the desalination plant. The tree lies bang in the middle
of the planned route for the cable. However, its predicament has attracted the
attention of many local people keen to see that the tree is not forced to budge
from its current location.
Some other trees in the area have already been moved. An olive tree and a
pine tree have been uprooted and replanted elsewhere. However, moving this
great tree is a more complicated procedure. Now, a solution has been found
at the last minute. An organisation called Dotor Árbol, a business from
Catalonia, specialises in the rescue and preservation of trees in similar
circumstances.
They use a special method that enables the cable to be placed below the
ground without the need to remove the tree. The good news is that this
operation will be paid for by Iberdrola and with a guarantee that the tree will
not be harmed as a result of the process, this has to be one piece of good
news.