"The Serral is a place where you can cultivate, talk to and be in contact with the land"

What does the Serral de ses Monges urban allotment project involve?

This is a social project in which small plots of land are given to people over 65 years of age in the municipality so that they can practice organic farming. It’s located in the Serral, a much-loved natural area in Inca. The permit lasts five years, and users have access to water for their plants, together with a place to store tools.

What are the City Council's goals with this initiative?

There are two overall goals: a social and an environmental one. On the one hand, it’s a form of recreation for retired people, who have a space for meeting and socialising while they grow their own food on the allotment. On the other hand, the initiative encourages the chemical-free cultivation of native species, which strengthens sustainability and promotes the consumption of locally grown products.

How many allotments are there and what kind of people are they for?

We currently have 39 urban allotments. Of these, 36 are for private individuals, i.e. people over 65 years of age who live in Inca, and 3 for associations. Among the latter are Sant Joan de Déu Hospital and the Amadib organisation, which carry out therapeutic activities with their users. In terms of private users, there are both men and women, locals and immigrants. It’s a very diverse group that finds a common space here.

What benefits does this project bring to organisations such as Sant Joan de Déu or Amadib?

For them, it’s a fantastic opportunity. They can do outdoor activities that they can’t do inside the centre. Being in contact with nature and working the land is therapeutic for them, both physically and emotionally. They’re delighted with the allotment space and make great use of it.

What role does organic farming play in the project?

It’s fundamental. We’re committed to chemical-free farming and growing native species. We seek to promote local produce, such as the island’s own varieties of tomato, and to do so in a sustainable way. It’s a way of taking care of the health of those who grow and consume the produce, but also of the environment.

What’s the level of demand for access to these allotments?

Demand is good. We’ve run information campaigns on social media. There’s currently no waiting list, and we have five allotments available to be allocated on request. However, there are people who do not meet the requirements—for example, people under 65 or who don’t live in Inca—and in these cases they’re not eligible.

Apart from the vegetable allotments, how important is the Serral as a green space for Inca?

It’s so important. It’s a real green lung for the city and the City Council is firmly committed to it. In fact, thanks to a project of the Regional Ministry of Tourism, nearly €400,000 is being invested to create green routes and shaded areas that provide shelter in hot weather. A new dog park has also been built. The idea is for the Serral to become a place that is increasingly used by everyone.

Is the space also used for educational and awareness-raising purposes?

Yes, we have an educational classroom in the Serral, where lots of activities take place. We have a training programme by the Balearic Employment Service (SOIB) in gardening for 15 student-workers, as well as training workshops for people with disabilities by Amadib. We also receive school visits—from Inca and other municipalities—to work on organic farming, ecology and respect for the environment. We want it to be a real awareness-raising space for all ages.