Cortijo de Poey: the little-known area of Vélez-Málaga that could be turned into a large park

Today, this heritage is still standing but is little more than a ruin. "It is a jewel, but it is very deteriorated", sums up Rafael Yus, president of the Gabinete de Estudios de la Naturaleza de la Axarquía (GENA), who has been analysing this enclave for years. Despite being protected by urban planning regulations the old mill shows clear signs of abandonment, which reinforces the feeling that it is a legacy that has not yet found its place. The dumping of debris and some of the despoilment, such as the removal of a marble plaque, are not in keeping with the centuries of history of this building.

In addition to this historical value, there is another equally important value: environmental. Despite its proximity to Vélez-Málaga town centre, the Poey farmhouse is home to a remarkable biodiversity. Amphibians (up to six different species have been catalogued), reptiles, birds and mammals such as foxes have been documented in the area, favoured by the presence of water at points such as the pool or the spring linked to it. "It is an area with a very interesting fauna for being so close to the town," says Yus.

This combination of history, nature and proximity has turned the place into a space already used by the citizens. Trails marked by the passage of time make it easy to walk around it, while locals and visitors frequent it to take a stroll or take photographs of the trees. "We have seen people surprised, even from abroad, taking photos of the olive trees", says Lorenzo, who also highlights the information days organised to raise awareness of this heritage.

However, the future of the Poey farmhouse is still open. The land belongs to a group of owners and its development has been conditioned for years by urban planning expectations linked to the growth of the city. At the same time, groups such as GENA have raised the possibility of converting this space into an agro-urban park that preserves its essence, integrating public use with the protection of its values.