The Park’s vegetable garden is much more than just a place to grow vegetables: it is a small refuge of biodiversity where reptiles, insects and birds coexist. One of its latest visitors is the common waxbill (Estrilda astrild), a small bird that is easily recognised by its intense red beak. Originally from sub-Saharan Africa, it arrived in our area after some specimens escaped from captivity. Barcelona’s mild climate and the abundance of small seeds have allowed it to adapt to the city’s parks and gardens. Although it is an invasive exotic species, so far no notable problems involving its coexistence with native birds or significant environmental impacts have been observed.

If we pay attention to the green areas of the PCB gardens, we can also discover some birds common to Barcelona, such as the house sparrow (Passer domesticus), the white wagtail (Motacilla alba), the Eurasian blackcap (Sylvia atricapilla) or the common hoopoe (Upupa epops).

Green spaces make cities healthier. They promote biodiversity, help improve air quality, capture CO₂ and reduce the heat island effect. That’s why every small gesture counts: filling a balcony with plants, creating a community garden or taking care of a neighbourhood’s green spaces is also a way to bring more life to the city.