> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://barna.news/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # Collserola Access Ban Enters Ninth Month Amid Waning Compliance - URL: https://barna.news/collserola-access-ban-enters-ninth-month-amid-waning-compliance/ - Published: 2026-08-31T13:26:26.000Z - Updated: 2026-08-31T13:26:26.000Z - Author: Laia Serra - Tags: environment The ban on public access to Parc Natural de la Serra de Collserola has now lasted nine months, with enforcement waning as more residents bypass closures put in place to contain African swine fever. The restriction, initially imposed on 29 November 2025 by the Department of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Food (DARPA) of the Generalitat, remains in force across the entire park area, which covers nearly half of Sant Cugat’s municipal territory. Under the Generalitat’s emergency measures, all leisure activities in the natural environment are prohibited within a 6 km high-risk zone surrounding the initial outbreak site in Cerdanyola del Vallès. Collserola falls within this perimeter, which includes 12 municipalities such as Sant Cugat, Sabadell, Terrassa and Rubí. A wider 20 km surveillance zone covers 64 municipalities, where specific restrictions on hunting, forestry and outdoor recreation apply. The park’s closure to public access was confirmed by the Collserola Park Consortium in coordination with the Generalitat’s resolution of 28 November 2025. Despite ongoing signage at 28 access points across Sant Cugat and visible tape barriers, compliance has declined. “I go every day for a walk. I think the measures are absurd, and I haven’t followed them since day one,” said one resident, speaking anonymously. Others report seeing growing numbers of hikers and cyclists using the trails, though fewer than pre-ban levels. > “We understand the danger to the pork sector and share the concern. But we also need to consider how restaurants and sports groups like the Mountain Club or Cycling Union are being economically affected.” Some residents continue to respect the ban. Carles Escarré, a local from the southern Eixample area, said he misses daily visits, especially weekend outings with friends. Raquel Rodríguez, another Sant Cugat resident, stressed the importance of caution: “We have to remember that restrictions are in place to keep people safe. It’s a shame, because Collserola is especially enjoyable in summer, but we can’t do miracles.” --- ## Protests and Economic Impact In June, around 200 people participated in a protest walk under the slogan “Reopen Collserola”, entering the park near Can Catà in Cerdanyola del Vallès and proceeding to Can Coll, where a public breakfast was held. Visitor numbers in the first half of 2026 dropped by 83% compared to the same period in 2025, when the park recorded 5.2 million visits, according to the Collserola Park Consortium. Sant Cugat’s deputy mayor for Security, Bernat Picornell (ERC), acknowledged that no special enforcement units have been deployed. “Local police patrol regularly, but we haven’t assigned extra resources. No fines have been issued. If someone is caught entering, they’re reminded of the rules and asked to leave.” The municipality has formally requested the Generalitat to consider partial, controlled reopening of areas such as Pi d’en Xandri, Torre Negra and the Volpelleres forest. Picornell highlighted economic hardship faced by local businesses and sports organisations: “Restaurants and sports entities like the Mountain Club or Cycling Union see their activities and income affected by these restrictions.” > “We’ve made an effort to find urban routes, but eventually you run out of options. We miss the forest and fields terribly.” ## Public Health Update There has been no detection of infected wild boars in recent weeks. The Catalan Agriculture Department confirmed that all 267 samples tested in the past week within the high-risk zone returned negative for African swine fever. Despite this, the department led by Minister Òscar Ordeig has stated that restrictions will remain at least until early September. Wild boars remain both the carriers and victims of the disease. Preventive actions continue, including intensified bin cleaning to avoid attracting animals, suspension of hunting and forestry work, and closure of picnic areas. Restaurants located within the park remain open and are permitted to serve pre-booked customers. --- *Primary sources:* [*govern.cat*](https://govern.cat/salapremsa/notes-premsa/770116/agricultura-activa-mesures-urgents-control-prevencio-als-municipis-afectats-davant-deteccio-pesta-porcina-africana-ppa?canal=48&contentType=1&department=47&ref=barna.news)*,* [*Ajuntament de Barcelona*](https://www.barcelona.cat/infobarcelona/ca/tancats-els-parcs-i-les-arees-de-picnic-propers-a-collserola%5F1578455.html?ref=barna.news)*,* [*eb.gencat.cat*](https://web.gencat.cat/es/ciutadania/actualitat/noticies/2025/12/restriccio-al-medi-natural-per-la-pesta-porcina-africana?ref=barna.news)*. Reported by totsantcugat.cat, Blanca Martinez de Foix, beteve.cat, animalshealth.es, elmundo.es, TOT Sant Cugat.* --- ### Related on Catalan.News - Barcelona activates wildfire alert plan for Collserola - 25 Catalan districts under weather alert for heavy rain and hail - Storms Return to Barcelona After Heatwave - Endesa adjusts power grid to prevent forest fires in Catalonia