The recovery of Gallicant, a secluded enclave in which an abandoned village emerges, has received a boost after the environmental impact report was resolved and the forest management and improvement plan for the 262-hectare farm, straddling the Baix counties, was approved Camp and the Priory. After a long process that culminated in the green light from the Generalitat, the promoters will now launch a series of actions aimed at protecting biodiversity and promoting agriculture, specifically the planting of vineyards. In the future, it is planned to rebuild the houses, now in ruins, that made up this little village about 900 meters high, between the municipalities of Arbolí, La Febró and Cornudella de Montsant.
In a context of persistent drought, one of the priorities is to advance in the creation of a mosaic landscape, in which crops alternate with pastures and forests, to minimize the risk of fires.
This is an ambitious project, of slow execution, that covers many areas and that seeks to demonstrate the viability of rural life in line with respect for the environment. A kind of return to the past but with the knowledge of the 21st century. Sara Pérez and René Barbier, Priorat winegrowers; the film director and producer Alba Sotorra, and Blai Roses, creator of the Terrer festival, are the promoters of the rebirth of Gallicant, which was abandoned after the civil war.
In the environmental impact report, the Department of Climate Action, Food and Rural Agenda establishes a series of requirements to protect species such as the Bonelli's eagle or the native river crayfish. To do this, it is necessary not to alter the aquatic and terrestrial habitats near the Gorg River. Ramps must also be enabled at five water points to prevent wild animals from drowning when they go to drink.
The approval of Acció Climàtica makes it possible to undertake important actions for the advancement of Gallicant, a group of nine houses in a privileged viewpoint with views of the Siurana cliffs. Throughout 2024, or 2025 at the latest, the owners want to have new areas of pasture ready, specifically about three hectares, for herds of cows, sheep and goats to enter. “With the grasslands and the sowing we will create discontinuous areas, firebreaks, in case fires occur, in addition to working on the maintenance of 15 kilometers of roads,” explains Rosés.
The plan foresees clearing 7.3 hectares of old fields to complete the agro-forest landscape. Vineyards will be planted in one part, although the most suitable land and the varieties that will best adapt to this environment are still being analyzed. Subsequently, a winery will be built from which Pérez and Barbier wines will be produced. In addition to water, one of the most worrying issues is the impact of the roe deer that devour the shoots of the vines. This is a holistic project with feedback capacity in which farmers, ranchers, shepherds, engineers, bow and arrow hunters are involved... “We will plant alfalfa so that the roe deer will eat this legume and not enter the vineyards, and The hunting that will be carried out will be selective,” clarifies Rosés.
The approval of the forestry plan gives them breath and allows them to qualify for subsidies and aid to give a boost to the renaissance of the village, whose origin dates back to the 12th century. At the same time, work is being done on the special plan for this ruined village. The beauty of the place contrasts with the harshness of this dry land crowned by the Puig de Gallicant, at 1,009 meters.
The promoters, grouped in the Masos de Gallicant society, want to complete a project that is harmonious with the place and that enhances synergies, something like a laboratory of ideas to promote the confluence between the protection of forest biodiversity, agriculture and training environmental. Thematic itineraries open to schools and the general public are now being designed to publicize the species that emerge in the different seasons of the year, the landscape and the archaeological heritage.
