THE FOREST GUARDS.
Organization and surveillance in reforestation
The origins of the Forest Nursery date back to the 18th century, when Fernando VI, in the Royal Ordinance of 1748, named the “Field and Mountain Guards”. Already in 1907, a specific Body dedicated to the protection and conservation of the mountains was created, thus the State Forest Guard Corps was created.
In Guardamar, this organization has been linked to reforestation since its inception. The foreman was the senior watchman, who traveled the plantations on horseback and later on a motorcycle, organizing the assisted by two other watchmen.
In this area, surnames such as Cerdán, Rebollo or the Rivera family stand out. For many years, these brave guards have effectively carried out the tasks of surveillance and maintenance of the pine forest despite the lack of training, the scarcity of resources and the large extension of the forest mass.
These guards have effectively carried out the tasks of surveillance and maintenance of the pine forest despite the lack of training, the scarcity of resources and the extension of the forest mass.
Currently, the task of the forest agent or environmental agent is very complex, although its main goal is still to preserve the forest.
1. Forest guard, accompanying the Secretary General of Agriculture, Mines and Mountains TesifonteGallego, on an official visit to Murcia. Casa de Espuña Forest House. 1911.
2. Image of a forest guard with his characteristic clothing from the beginning of the 20th century. Casa de Espuña Forest House. 1911
3. Forest Guard in the old nursery in the 50’s. Guardamar del Segura
4. Forest Guard with his family. Guardamar del Segura. 1906
