Red Eléctrica and SEO/BirdLife drive the removal of 100 hectares of Pampas grass in Cantabria

Red Eléctrica and the Spanish Ornithological Society (SEO/BirdLife) are making progress in the eradication of Cortaderia selloana, commonly known as Pampas grass, in Cantabria. This agreement between both institutions has resulted in the removal of more than 25 hectares of this invasive plant. Native to South America, the species represents one of the primary threats to the region's ecosystems; it displaces native flora and degrades habitats, ultimately reducing the ecological and landscape quality of the invaded sites.

Beyond the environmental damage, the spread of this species significantly harms the farming and livestock sectors while increasing the risk of fires. 

This four-year agreement covers the eradication of this species across over 100 hectares of land linked to power infrastructure — sites considered a priority within the European LIFE COOP Cortaderia project. Within this framework, SEO/BirdLife is spearheading the control and eradication actions, supported by the collaboration of Red Eléctrica.

The actions outlined in the joint work plan commenced in 2025, encompassing area delimitation, species mapping, on-site verification, the processing of permits and the initial removal works. To date, the initiative has successfully cleared over 25.59 hectares, including areas near the Cacicedo substation in Camargo (9.01 ha), Villaescusa (4.41 ha) and Herrerías (1.87 ha). Further interventions cover the Pombo Marsh (3.46 ha) — a protected natural area within the Natural Park of Oyambre — and the areas surrounding the Penagos substation (6.84 ha). 

According to Felipe González, SEO/BirdLife’s regional officer in Cantabria: “Tackling invasive species like Cortaderia selloana is vital to protect biodiversity and ensure the resilience of our ecosystems. These types of initiatives, based on partnership and long-term strategy, allow for the effective restoration of the natural environment and the creation of lasting environmental value for the region.” 

Laura Quintana, Redeia’s Sustainability Director, notes: “Combating invasive species is key to mitigating the degradation of our ecosystems and preventing biodiversity loss. This collaboration with SEO/BirdLife helps us to safeguard nature in Cantabria, providing tangible benefits for the local farming and livestock sector, as well as the wider community. This initiative is integrated into Redeia’s Comprehensive Impact Strategy, through which we foster cooperation between organisations to address social and environmental challenges and deliver a positive impact on the region.”

Eradication and ecological restoration

Cortaderia selloana — a plant included in the Spanish Catalogue of Invasive Alien Species — is characterised by its high dispersal capacity. This requires strict, site-specific control measures to prevent its re-emergence.

To ensure effective eradication, SEO/BirdLife employs a mix of manual and mechanical methods, supported by habitat restoration work designed to help the treated sites recover. These measures involve the sowing of indigenous herbaceous species and soil improvement, with the aim of promoting the recovery of native vegetation and the ecological functionality of the ecosystems. 

The project has also trained over 1,315 people in control methodologies and waste management for this species. It further provides for the periodic monitoring of treated areas to detect potential regrowth, evaluate the effectiveness of the interventions and consolidate the restoration in the medium and long term.

Commitment to biodiversity

Redeia, Red Eléctrica’s parent company, has been a member of the Transnational Alliance to combat Cortaderia selloana in the Atlantic Arc since 2022. This initiative is aimed at curbing the spread of the species across Spain, Portugal and France. This partnership is integrated into the Life Coop Cortaderia project, which brings together over 250 social entities, public administrations and research centres, supported by the European Commission and the Government of Cantabria.

The collaboration between Redeia and SEO/BirdLife in Cantabria is part of a wider effort to conserve biodiversity and birdlife throughout Spain, with notable projects including the Marismas del Odiel Biosphere Reserve in Huelva.

Under the umbrella of Redeia’s Comprehensive Impact Strategy, Red Eléctrica drives initiatives dedicated to the conservation of the natural environment, the restoration of ecosystems and the fight against biodiversity loss. By fostering alliances with specialist organisations, the company ensures a coordinated approach to addressing the region's environmental challenges.