The social representation of the orchard and its hydraulic heritage as a cultural landscape: an exploratory study in Mula (Region of Murcia)

The object of the investigation has been to analyze the perception of the public about the orchard and its associated hydraulic heritage, within the set of cultural assets of the municipality of Mula, located in the interior of the Region of Murcia. The study was elaborated from the methodology of geographic analysis and cultural geography. For data collection, a mixed and semi -structural questionnaire was developed in which 102 people of different ages, studies and occupations participated. The results reveal a lower valuation of the hydraulic heritage and the landscape of the orchard compared to other cultural assets, both material (castle or religious buildings) and immaterial (festivities and local traditions). The importance of academic training in the valuation of cultural heritage and, above all, of the infrastructures related to the use of water is also observed. A better consideration of farmers who have direct contact with the territory is observed. In contrast, young participants place less value on hydraulic heritage.