Albiétar AssociationBe part of the change
Become a memberWith more than 70,000 hectares burnt in July 2026, we have suffered the worst wildfire in our history. To heal the land and make sure this tragedy never happens again, Albiétar was born: an association of villages working together on regeneration, prevention, and the defence of our land.
Ávila · Sierra Oeste de Madrid · Toledo
Our goal
A team of specialist volunteers, working together to bring the forest back.
Albiétar is made up of specialist volunteers in forestry, science, law, communication and administration. We have joined forces to manage, carry out, supervise and share the recovery and prevention work in the areas of Ávila, Madrid and Toledo affected by the 2026 wildfires.
We help the burnt woodland regenerate, making sure the necessary work is done under strict technical criteria at the right time. Our ultimate aim is more fire-resilient forests, better adapted to climate change, that support local development, prosperity and community wellbeing.
Management
Coordination between municipalities, experts and public authorities.
Action
Volunteer days, seeding, fascines and tree nursery.
Outreach
Accurate information, training and transparency.
The coming months
Roadmap: step by step, without rushing.
- 01August 2026
Founding the association
Joining forces to act with sound judgement and perseverance.
Setting up the association, recruiting volunteers and organising the next steps, so that recovery is technical, coordinated and sustainable.
- 02Autumn 2026
Damage assessment
Expert diagnosis to heal the burnt woodland.
Working with experts and town councils to analyse the impact of the fire on soil and biodiversity, and map the exact extent of the damage.
- 03Autumn 2026
Emergency stabilisation
Protecting the soil before the rains.
Installing natural timber barriers and plant cover to prevent erosion and retain the fertile topsoil.
- 04Autumn and winter 2026–2027
Planning the new forest
Designing a stronger ecosystem.
Encouraging natural regeneration and selecting 100% native species to create a mixed forest that is resilient to climate change and better protected against wildfires.
- 05November 2026 to March 2027
Active reforestation
Bringing life back to the land.
Preparing the burnt ground and organising volunteer days to plant at the optimal time of year, restoring the green stand by stand.
- 06Spring and summer 2027
Maintenance and stewardship
Caring today for tomorrow's forest.
Monitoring new growth, carrying out supporting irrigation on volunteer days and tending the young trees during their first years to ensure survival.
- 07Autumn 2026 and, above all, autumn 2027
Permits and first seeding
Starting where the fire passed.
Applying for permits and carrying out the first seeding in the area burnt in July 2026, starting in autumn 2026 and, above all, in autumn 2027.
Summary
What can you do now?
Caring for our woodland is caring for our future.
Seeding
Sow grasses and legumes such as rye, oats, vetch (Vicia), ryegrass, clover or alfalfa.
Soil stabilisation
The soil must be held in place, erosion prevented and organic matter added.
Fascines and dry-stone check dams
Built from pruning residues, burnt trees, branches and/or stones, laid along the contour lines.
Collecting seeds and saplings
Keep seeds and start your own small tree nursery for later planting, when the time is right.
We all want to see our woodland as it was…
But rushing will not help: things must be done slowly and properly to achieve the right result. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
Our tree nursery
We collect and store oak, holm oak and pine seeds to grow native saplings and plant them once the ground is ready.
Current legislation
- Law 43/2003 on Forests (Ley de Montes)
- Law 42/2007 on Natural Heritage and Biodiversity
- Regional wildfire prevention regulations
- Authorisation is required for felling, reforestation or earthworks
What we can do
- Assess and monitor natural regeneration
- Protect the soil from erosion (natural mulching, living barriers, fascines…)
- Control invasive species
- Promote biodiversity by planting native species
- Inform, educate and collaborate in sustainable forest management
- Always act with knowledge, respect and common sense
Guidance prepared by Fátima Ayuso Fernández and Sandra García Requena · Albiétar Association. If in doubt, ask your town council, the regional Environment Service or write to us at asociacionalbietar@gmail.com.
Summary
What we must avoid
Acting in haste can do more harm than the fire itself.
Removing the ash
If the layer is very thick, we will spread it out carefully.
Exception: toxic ash from burnt vehicles or plastic materials.
Heavy machinery
It compacts the soil and increases erosion.
Felling
Some species can resprout and recover: there is no need to rush into felling, which also removes shade.
Exceptions: risk of falling or pest outbreaks.
Premature mass reforestation
We must wait one or two years to assess natural regeneration before reforesting properly and successfully.
Rushing
We all want to see our woodland as it was, but rushing will not help: things must be done slowly and properly.
Volunteering: would you like to join us?
All work in the woodland must be coordinated. To act safely, with technical criteria and the required permits, join the association and follow the protocols organised by Albiétar.
It does not matter how much you can give. What matters is that you want to be part of it.
Join AlbiétarThe membership form is currently available in Spanish.