Specialist fire crews have started controlled burns on L’Estartit’s beaches this week, managing vast quantities of organic debris Storm ‘Harry’ deposited last month. This operation employs a dual strategy: removing the most hazardous material while allowing a significant portion to naturally integrate into the fragile dune ecosystem.

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In mid-January, Storm ‘Harry’ battered the Catalan coast. It caused the River Ter to swell and wash tonnes of vegetation downstream. Subsequently, L’Estartit’s beaches, especially Gola del Ter at the river’s mouth and the adjacent Platja de la Fonollera, received an estimated 20,000 cubic metres of material – an area equivalent to five football pitches. This debris included reeds, large logs, river-borne waste, and even animal remains.

A Balanced Approach to Restoration

The cleanup, which started on Monday, represents a carefully coordinated effort to restore the coastline safely and sustainably. Officials have outlined a plan: approximately 60% of the accumulated organic matter will remain in place. This material will crucially nourish and strengthen the local dune system, a vital natural defence against coastal erosion.

Controlled burns target the remaining 40% of debris, which primarily consists of large reeds and bulky logs. This selective removal aims to achieve several key objectives. Firstly, it reduces potential hazards for beach users before the coming tourist season. Furthermore, the operation seeks to prevent negative impacts on the protected environment, which forms part of the Montgrí, Medes Islands and Baix Ter Natural Park.

Protecting a Vulnerable Species

Protecting the vulnerable Kentish plover (Charadrius alexandrinus) is a significant factor driving this intervention. Known in Catalan as the chorlitejo patinegro, this small shorebird nests on these beaches, and the excessive debris posed a direct threat to its nesting grounds. By clearing the largest obstacles, authorities hope to ensure a successful breeding season for this protected species.

The initiative highlights a growing focus on proactive environmental management as part of a broader strategy to protect Catalonia’s coastline from the increasing frequency of extreme weather events.

The Torroella de Montgrí Town Council leads this operation as a joint venture, closely coordinating with the Natural Park authority. GEPIF, the specialised forest fire prevention unit of the Generalitat de Catalunya, executes the burns. La Vanguardia reported that authorities confirmed the burns will occur between 8 AM and 4 PM, expected to continue for several days, provided weather conditions remain favourable.

This careful management of the storm’s aftermath underscores the dual importance of the coastline, both as a protected natural space and as a crucial economic driver for the municipality of L’Estartit.