Madrid is aiming to build Europe’s largest metropolitan forest, in a move that will support and enable the city’s natural world to thrive. The project, called ‘El Bosque Metropolitano’ (the Metropolitan Forest) will see nearly half a million trees and vegetation being planted, according to Lonely Planet.
The forest aims to be Madrid’s new green lung. It falls under a larger project that the city has to improve air quality, known as Madrid 360º. The project comes as result of the European Commission’s emission limits.
The forest will span 75km around the outskirts of the capital of Spain. It will include various trails for hikers, dog-friendly zones, children’s play areas and biking routes, according to Lonely Planet.
The project will begin development in October. Various native plant species, including wild olive trees, willows, elm and more will form part of the forest. Shrubbery like rosemary, thyme and others will also grow in abundance.
The project will take around 12 years to complete. It is predicted to absorb an estimated 170,000 tons of carbon emissions once the plants reach maturity.
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