Tourists in Spain banned from hugging sequoias

In the forest near the town of Cabezon de la Salle (Cantabria, Spain), tourists were forbidden to cuddle with redwoods.

Local authorities believe that the ban will reduce the negative impact on the bark and roots, which deteriorate due to the large tourist flow.

Ecotropes are planned to be laid through the forest so that visitors can admire the sequoias without harming them.

Among other measures is the possible introduction of a fee for entering the forest. The funds raised in this way want to be directed to the protection of the natural park.

Sequoia is the largest tree on the planet. It was brought from North America to Europe in 1940. In the reserve near Cabezon de la Salle, about 840 trees grow on an area of 2.5 hectares. In 2003, this territory was declared a natural monument, about 200,000 tourists visit here every year.