Baa-ckup arrives to help fight forest fires in rural Murcia!

It's sheep to the rescue in Murcia as the government turns to our woolly friends to help reduce wildfire risk, protect forests and support rural communities

Disclaimer: Not real depiction of firefighting sheep

A new plan in the Region de Murcia is calling in some unlikely helpers to support struggling rural areas while lowering wildfire risk. A grant of almost €1 million from the European Union has been awarded to Murcia's Forest Owners' Association to put the plan into action. The work will cover 16 towns struggling with falling populations, from small villages like Albudeite, Aledo and Pliego to larger areas such as Lorca and Caravaca de la Cruz.

One part of the plan will see 'firefighting sheep' called in to graze through undergrowth that might otherwise fuel flames. This is referred to as 'silvopasture', where sheep and goats will carry out controlled grazing in areas where fire risk is high. This is the first time this type of controlled grazing has been organised on such a scale in Murcia.

Another part of the plan involves using forest biomass in areas where dry growth has built up, reducing the risk of fire while providing material for local organisations working to cut their carbon footprint.

Work will also focus on creating safety strips near roads and homes, and restoring land affected by past fires, including the Sierra del Almirez and surrounding districts. Digital tools will help connect people with rural jobs, while support for small businesses and awareness campaigns will give young people and women more reasons to stay and work in these communities.

Forest tourism will also be promoted with this grant by allowing visitors the chance to tour grazing estates and see rural land management up close.

Read also: Meet the donkeys saving Spain's forests