The Princesa Leonor Forest Park in Alcobendas has officially opened its doors following the inauguration held on September 15th. This new green lung covers an area of 263,880 square meters and boasts a significant plant collection comprising over 3,000 trees and 87,000 shrubs, distributed across nine habitats characteristic of the Mediterranean landscape.
The project, which involved an investment of 11.2 million euros, was financed 68% by the Alcobendas City Council and 32% by the Biodiversity Foundation of the Ministry for Ecological Transition, with European NextGenerationEU funds. The inauguration was attended by the Minister of Environment, Carlos Novillo, and the Mayoress of Alcobendas, Rocío García Alcántara.
This forest park has been developed on the grounds of a former inert waste landfill, through ecological restoration work that included slope stabilization, soil improvement, and the planting of 23 tree species and 18 shrub species. The initiative has created habitats such as dehesa woodland, flowering meadows, riparian forests, and scrubland.
Animal biodiversity was another central focus of the project, with the creation of nine seasonal micro-ponds for amphibians and insects, 30 birdhouses for birds, and shelters for bats, foxes, and hedgehogs. During the inauguration, a Red Kite and a Common Buzzard were released, and 77 bird species have already been identified in the area.
The Princesa Leonor Forest Park is conceived as a green corridor connecting Alcobendas with other natural spaces in northern Madrid, such as the Dehesa Boyal of San Sebastián de los Reyes and the Monte de Valdelatas, integrating into the Green Arc strategy of the Community of Madrid.
The site features an accessible main path of 2.5 kilometers, with a gradient of less than 6%, allowing visitors to explore its various areas. From the highest point, located on the former landfill hill, panoramic views of the Sierra de Guadarrama mountain range can be enjoyed.
The Urban Facade, connecting the park to the Avenida de la Ilusión, houses 54 family urban gardens, a promenade area with an ornamental fountain, and a planned café. It also includes Peque Bosque, Alcobendas' sixth and largest children's play area, featuring sensory and sand play zones, a multi-level maze, and a vertical play tower.
