Collserola park restrictions to remain 'until at least end of summer' 

The Catalan government says restrictions on access to Collserola Natural Park will remain in force "at least until the end of summer" as efforts continue to contain African swine fever (ASF) in wild boar populations.

The measures were introduced after an outbreak of ASF was detected in wild boar in Cerdanyola del Vallès, just outside Barcelona, in November 2025.

Although the virus does not affect humans, it is highly contagious among pigs and wild boar and can survive in the environment for extended periods, prompting strict containment protocols aimed at preventing its spread beyond the initial zone.

Recreational access to the natural areas of Collserola Natural Park is currently prohibited, although residents may still reach their homes and entry remains permitted to schools, facilities, businesses, public transport stations and paved roads within the park.

Allowed activities include forestry work related to fire prevention, professional maintenance tasks such as waste collection and the cleaning of recreational areas, as well as authorised wildlife management and control operations carried out by the relevant authorities.

Following a meeting with municipal representatives from the affected area on Wednesday, the agriculture department said there would be no immediate easing of measures, stressing that the priority remains containing the outbreak and protecting Catalonia's livestock sector.

Officials said the restrictions have been "key to encapsulating the virus" within the high-risk perimeter.

Controlled reopenings under discussion

Sant Cugat del Vallès local council has called for "controlled reopening" schemes in specific areas, including zones both within and outside the park, arguing that blanket restrictions are having a growing social and economic impact.

Agriculture officials have said any potential adjustments would only be considered after the summer, depending on the evolution of the outbreak.

Public pushback

The restrictions have faced direct opposition from locals. On Saturday, around 200 people took part in a protest walk in Collserola, crossing forest tracks despite police attempts to stop them.

"We are demanding that Collserola be reopened. We haven't been able to exercise for six months," Cristina Alier, one of the participants, told the Catalan News Agency (ACN).

An online petition calling for the park to be reopened has gathered more than 5,000 signatures. 

Economic impact on local restaurants

Businesses in Collserola say the restrictions have sharply reduced footfall during what would normally be peak season.

Restaurants that rely on walkers and cyclists report revenue declines of up to 30%, with some estimating hundreds of lost breakfast customers each week.

Owners say terraces that were previously full at weekends are now significantly quieter, as visitors who would normally combine outdoor activities with dining are staying away.

Despite concerns from locals and businesses, officials say the ASF outbreak remains active and that continued biosecurity controls are necessary to prevent further spread.