Environmental campaigners have reported what they describe as a “new attack” on the protected landscape of Sierra Escalona. The association Amigos de Sierra Escalona (ASE) has lodged a formal complaint with the Valencian Environment Department over large-scale clearing and scrub removal along the Nacimiento river.

According to the group, around 150 metres of riverbank vegetation had been removed by 27 February near the CV-941 bridge, affecting land within the Protected Landscape of Sierra Escalona and Dehesa de Campoamor. The area also forms part of the Natura 2000 network, including designated LIC and ZEPA sites, and is classified as strategically important forest land.

ASE says the works are incompatible with conservation objectives set out in the recently approved Natural Resources Management Plan, which is now in force. The organisation warns that the clearance could damage habitats and species, including nesting eagle owls and buzzards, protected plants and key amphibian breeding points.

The group has called for the immediate suspension of the works, an investigation into whether environmental rules have been breached, and ecological restoration of the affected land. Orihuela Town Hall has said it did not carry out the works. The Segura River Basin Authority has not yet responded.