en Els Aiguamolls de l’Empordà Natural Park

Els Aiguamolls de L'Empordà Natural Park (The A SPACE OF COEXISTENCE BETWEEN WATER, Closes, peces and feixes Marshes of L'Empordà) has an area of approximately EARTH, HUMANS AND NATURE In L'Empordà, grassland meadows typical of this 4,730 hectares, of which 825 hectares are a strict region are known as closes (enclosed areas). They are natural reserve. The Park is situated in the region of surrounded – enclosed – by drainage channels, edged L’ Alt Empordà, and consists of the following A mosaic of ecosystems that are interdependent but with riparian trees (elm, ash, poplar, alder and others). , listed here in order of protected also very different: They are situated in the beds of the old lakes, and area: Castelló d'Empúries (57.4%), Sant Pere therefore flood in times of heavy rain. Pescador (12.8%), Palau-saverdera (10.2%), Sea Other fields and pastures of this type, long and (8.9%), Pau (4.7%), Pedret i Marzà (2.6%), On the edges of the Natural Park is an area of narrow, enclosed by tamarisk bushes, are given the L'Escala (2.1%), Roses (1.1%) and L'Armentera relatively calm, sandy-bottomed marine waters. The name of peces or feixes. (0.2%). The objective of the declaration of this area as bay of Roses is sheltered even from strong north a natural park is two-fold: on the one hand, to winds. Nevertheless, the east winds strike the coastal Freshwater lakes and marshes protect, improve and boost the natural systems, edge of the Park with force. These are the remains of the old lake at Castelló, and and on the other, to make conservation compatible the most emblematic is the lake at Vilaüt. Its inland with the area's economic development. Coastal beaches and sands location, far from the sea, means that the water is These are present around the whole coastline of the entirely fresh, and the vegetation is especially adapted Park, and are the only remaining virgin beaches on the to cope with immersion, flooding and high humidity, AN AREA UNDER HEAVY HUMAN PRESSURE . In fact, the extended southern edge of depending on the depth of the water.The Natural Park territory included in the Park, following the beach, is has promoted the recovery and creation of new lakes, intended to preserve a fully representative example of such as the lake in El Cortalet or the Europa lakes. The region of L'Alt Empordà has approximately this type of habitat. 100,000 inhabitants. In some of the Park's municipalities, the population can increase fourfold in Lagoons and salt-loving plant life summer. One example of the pressure from humans The salty coastal lagoons, known locally as llaunes, are are the Natural Park's beaches, which in summer can located directly behind the beach, between the be visited by some 23,000 people a day. mouths of the rivers La Muga and El Fluvià. The Cover: Aerial view of the Les Llaunes Strict Nature Reserve Over 80% of the Park's area is private property and vegetation surrounding the lagoons, consisting of low- Photo: Santi Font within the Natural Park's limits is the most important growing plants adapted to the salinity of the soil, such residential marina in Europe, Empuriabrava, with as glasswort and rushes, is known in the area as Previous page: Stork (Ciconia ciconia) Photo: Masses Pery 30km of navigable canals. salsura, which means preserved with salt. 3

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Rivers, watercourses and irrigation channels found integrated into the landscape and offer shelter are included in the PEIN (Plan for Areas of Natural The birds are the main faunal attraction of the Park. in 1989 and 1991, the population has recovered and teal (Anas crecca) and the northern shoveler (Anas Besides La Muga and El Fluvià, the Park's two main to the wild flora and fauna. Interest). Up to now, 329 species of bird have been sighted, of currently stands at some 30-40 nesting pairs. clypeata). The cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo), the rivers, in the marshes there is also an extensive which 82 species nest here on a regular basis. Species During migration periods (February-June and July- grey heron (Ardea cinerea), the coot (Fulica atra), the network of waterways and irrigation channels. The HISTORICAL HERITAGE HUMAN ACTIVITY associated with aquatic environments are the most October), thousands of birds use these marshes as a lapwing (Vanellus vanellus), the common snipe vegetation on their banks is of obvious botanical and representative and the most plentiful. place of rest and feeding, especially during the Spring (Gallinago gallinago), the curlew (Numenius arquata), faunal interest. The Isle of Caramany Strict Reserve, Among the most numerous nesting birds we have the and when the north wind blows. During the second the black-headed gull (Larus ridibundus), the covering 5.6 hectares, situated in the river Fluvià, has The Aiguamolls de L'Empordà in the past occupied Human activity in the Park is an important force, mallard (Anas platyrhynchos), the moorhen (Gallinula two weeks of April and the first days of May is when European penduline tit (Remiz pendulinus) and the a riparian wood that is evolving entirely naturally. almost all the plain of the bay of Roses and the lower due both to the tourist industry that it brings and to chloropus), the blue-headed wagtail (Motacilla flava) the largest number of species can be seen. Among the reed bunting (Emberiza schoeniclus) are also Ter river. The Montgrí massif was set away from the farming activities. and the reed warbler (Acrocephalus scirpaceus). In most representative migratory birds there are, among abundant. Among the water fowl present in the Bay of Crops waters, and when the Greeks settled here, they did so Since irrigation came into use here, the crops grown in lower numbers, there are also nests of the little grebe others, the squacco heron (Ardeola ralloides), the Roses are the black-throated diver (Gavia arctica), the These occupy a high percentage of the Park's area. on an island between the former mouths of the rivers the Park have changed. Cultivation was originally of (Tachybaptus ruficollis), the great bittern (Botaurus glossy ibis (Plegadis falcinellus), the flamingo great crested grebe (Podiceps cristatus), the Balearic From winter cereals (barley, wheat) and alfalfa, there Fluvià and Ter, where they later founded Empúries. The winter crops, and this has changed to maize, sorghum, stellaris), the little bittern (Ixobrychus minutus), the (Phoenicopterus ruber), the garganey (Anas has been a shift towards maize, sorghum, sunflowers extensive marshland gradually disappeared, due sunflowers and fruit trees, which are good wintering purple heron (Ardea purpurea), the gadwall (Anas querquedula), the osprey (Pandion haliaetus), the red- and fruit trees. The rice crop, recovered with the mainly to the expansion of agriculture. The wide places for insectivorous birds and for thrushes, due to strepera), the marsh harrier (Circus aeruginosus), the footed falcon (Falco vespertinus), the little crake creation of the Natural Park, is without doubt the best Castelló Lake, with its three islands, and the lakes of the abundance of fruit on the ground. coot (Fulica atra), the black-winged stilt (Himantopus (Porzana parva), the collared pratincole (Glareola suited to the marshy nature of the land in the region Siurana, Vilacolum, , Bellcaire, and The rice fields are undoubtedly the cultivated land that himantopus), the Kentish plover (Charadrius pratincola), the marsh sandpiper (Tringa stagnatilis), 1 Mas del Matà Observatory of El Baix Empordà. are now also part of history. is most beneficial to water fowl. There are currently alexandrinus), the kingfisher (Alcedo atthis), the roller the Adouin's gull (Larus audouinii), the white-winged Photo: Archives of the Natural Park The construction of tourist facilities was another some 150 hectares of cultivated rice paddies, for the (Coracias garrulus), the lesser spotted woodpecker tern (Chlidonias leucopterus) and the red-throated Rough lands degradation factor. Extensive areas disappeared and most part cultivated without pesticides, which are kept (Dendrocopos minor), the moustached warbler pipit (Anthus cervinus). The wader group deserves a 2 European roller (Coracias garrulus) Situated between the plain and the neighbouring were turned into housing developments. This would flooded even outside the growing season in order to (Acrocephalus melanopogon) and the great reed special mention, as up to 32 different species are seen Photo: Antoni López Serra de Verdera mountain range, in the north east, have continued were it not for the campaign that encourage the presence of water fowl. warbler (Acrocephalus arundinaceus). The garganey regularly, some of the most numerous being the little- these occupy slightly sloping ground. They are began in 1976 with the slogan "The last marshes of (Anas querquedula), known locally as the roncaire ringed plover (Charadrius dubius), the little stint 3 Little egret (Egretta garzetta) Photo: Richard Martín covered in non-irrigated crops (such as vines), L'Empordà, under threat", which aimed to raise public (snoring duck), and the lesser grey shrike (Lanius (Calidris minuta), the ruff (Philomachus pugnax), the scrubland and pastures, groves of cork oaks, Holm awareness of the importance of the lakes and their minor) - two of the Park's most emblematic species - common redshank (Tringa totanus) and the wood FAUNA 4 Kentish plover (Charadrius alexandrinus) oaks and other types of oak, and also groves of pines value as a nature reserve. last reared young here in 1997 and 2001, respectively. sandpiper (Tringa glareola). Photo: Tono Folguera in some areas such as La Torre del Vent, the highest It was in 1983 that the Parliament of finally The white stork (Ciconia ciconia), which had nested In winter these marshes, like the Bay of Roses, are point in the Park. passed the Law declaring the Aiguamolls de The marshes are one of the natural areas of Catalonia occasionally in the area, now has a population of visited by large numbers of birds coming from 5 Nest workshop L'Empordà a natural site of national interest and strict with the largest variety of animal species. Many birds some 40 pairs, thanks to the recovery project begun in Northern and Central Europe.The duck group is one of Photo: Richard Martín Inhabited areas nature rseserve, later reclassified as a natural park. use the marshes as a shelter and rest area, and there 1987. The purple swamphen (Porphyrio porphyrio), the best-represented, with a monthly presence of The Park has a good number of farms, manors and The Nature Reserve only includes the lakes of the Alt are over 300 species, many of them protected and of which had disappeared by the middle of last century, some 15,000 specimens. The most abundant species 6 Black-winged stilt (Himantopus himantopus) mating Photo: Richard Martín country houses scattered over the plain.They are often Empordà region; those of the El Baix Empordà region great beauty. has also been reintroduced. From specimens released are the mallard (Anas platyrhynchos), the common 5 km

Port de la Selva PUBLIC TRANSPORT AND ACCESS Roses

By road la Vall de Santa Creu

Santa Margarida Motorway: AP-7, from Barcelona to . Exits at Orriols (L'Escala) and . la Farella Road: N-II, from Barcelona to La Jonquera. la Garriga

By train Santa Helena Barcelona to line. The nearest station is Figueres. Llansˆ

l'Escala Natural Park Major road

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M la El Cortalet PARC NATURAL DELS AIGUAMOLLS DE LÕEMPORDË NATURAL PARC Estanyol l'Armentera Pedret Castell— d'Empœries Montir— Pelacal Marzˆ Torroella de Fluviˆ Vilanova de la Muga Riumors Valveralla Fortiˆ el Fluviˆ Ventall— Delfiˆ Vilacolum Vila-sacra les Costes Palol Peralada Sant Tomˆs de Fluviˆ Valldaviˆ l'Oliva Peralada Vila-robau Siurana de Fluviˆ Sant Miquel el Far d'Empordˆ les Olives 1 2 3 4

shearwater (Puffinus mauretanicus), the sandwich tern Small mammals such as the vole, the mole, the and June, we can enjoy a spectacular show of willow (Salix alba), white poplar (Populus alba), Roses VISITS OF NATURAL INTEREST (Sterna sandvicensis) and the razorbill (Alca torda). shrew, the rat and the mouse are spread over the seashore iris (Iris spuria). Lombardy poplar (Populus nigra), alder (Alnus Roses is worth visiting for its Citadel and the megalithic The fish that are most abundant in the area are the Park. The rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) is very glutinosa), elm (Ulmus minor), narrowleaf ash route from there, which leads to the Creu d'en carp (Cyprinus carpio), the thicklip grey mullet abundant in certain parts of the Park, unlike the hare Sand-growing vegetation (Fraxinus angustifolia) and French tamarisk Cobertella dolmen, the largest megalithic monument. Cap de Creus Natural Park (Chelon labrosus), the spotted flounder (Citharus (Lepus capensis). The wild boar (Sus scrofa) population This is a type of vegetation that is highly adapted to (Tamarix gallica). Llançà, Port de la Selva, Cadaqués and Roses macrolepidotus), the pumpkinseed sunfish (Lepomis has grown a great deal and this is now one of the this inhospitable environment, such as the sand couch Sant Pere Pescador Telephone: 972 193 191 gibbosus), the eel (Anguilla anguilla), etc. Important species abundant in the Natural Park. Bats are seen grass (Agropyron junceum), which grows right down Waterlogged and lakeland vegetation of the The Reserva de Mig de Dos Rius (Between Two Rivers for their rarity is the presence of the fartet (Lebias frequently in the marshes (13 different species) and to the sea, and the marram grass (Ammophila lakes and waterways Reserve) is situated here, as is the mouth of the Fluvià Albera Natural Site of National Interest ibera), a small fish native to the Iberian peninsula, contribute to the control of insects such as mosquitoes. arenaria), which grows up in the dunes. The sight of the water florid with floating plants such river and Caramany Island. La Jonquera, and and the three-spined stickleback (Gasterosteus as the brackish water crowfoot (Ranunculus baudotii) Telephone: 972 545 079 aculeatus). Marsh plants on the riverbanks, and in or underwater plants (Zannichellia, Potamogeton, Najas, Pau and Palau-saverdera VEGETATION The population of reptiles and amphibians can be irrigation channels and flooded meadows. Chara…), together with the tiny common duckweed Megalithic routes. Bassegoda Salt Marshes Area of Natural found all over the Park, mainly in the freshwater areas. The sedimentation of the Fluvià and Muga rivers is (Lemna minor) or the delicate starwort (Callitriche) that Interest Among these are the painted frog (Discoglossus The vegetation of the marshes has some special crossed by a collection of drainage channels, which cover the still water, is a curious and pretty sight to see. Peralada Telephones: 649 017 641 and 600 056 210 pictus) in some freshwater lakes, the marbled newt characteristics that make it very different from that of have their own specific vegetation, dominated by This palace castle, a veritable mosaic of architectural (Triturus marmoratus), the Mediterranean terrapin the surrounding areas. This is very noticeable in the the reed beds and similar communities. The plants styles, is to be found surrounded by a fascinating Medes Islands Protected Area PLACES OF INTEREST (Mauremys leprosa), the psammodromus areas around the edges, where the water and the most characteristic of this habitat are the common landscape of vineyards. It is worth highlighting the L'Estartit (Psammodromus algirus and P. Hispanicus), the rare salinity have an important part to play. Rice crops are reed (Phragmites australis), the bulrush (Typha Convent del Carme and the Cloister of Sant Domènec. Telephone: 972 751 103 three-toed skink (Chalcides striatus) and the Western combined with pasture land, valuable for biological angustifolia and T. latifolia), the common club-rush Els Aiguamolls de L'Empordà Natural Park is green lizard (Lacerta bilineata). Four different species and scenic reasons. (Schoenoplectus lacustris), the yellow iris (Iris surrounded by other areas of historical, artistic or L'Escala - Empúries of snake, and the slow worm (Anguis fragilis) shelter pseudacorus), the water plantain (Alisma plantago- natural interest, abundant on the Costa Brava and in The remains of the Greek colony of Emporion and of 1 Dune vegetation on the riverbanks and in the riverside woods. The main types of vegetation we can see in the marsh aquatica), the marshmallow (Althaea officinalis) and regions such as Alt Empordà and Baix Empordà. Here the Roman city are found at Empúries. These are Autor: archives of the Natural Park The most typical mammal of the marshes, apart from areas are: the purple loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria), among is an outline of some of the most popular. valuable pieces of evidence of the presence of the the Southern water vole (Arvicola sapidus), is the many others. classical cultures in the Mediterranean. Also near this 2 Avinyó Manor otter (Lutra lutra), which until half a century ago was Saline soil vegetation At certain times of the year, the meadows are flooded Castelló d'Empúries area is the hamlet of Cinc Claus (Five Keys). Autor: archives of the Natural Park seen frequently and has been reintroduced. In In these areas a number of very specialised plants with freshwater, and in this vegetation, also used as A situated at the mouth of the river La 3 Yellow Iris (Iris pseudacorus) addition, there is the least weasel (Mustela nivalis), grow, usually of the succulent variety, such as the pasture for cows and horses, we can find sedges Muga, in the Bay of Roses. This is a predominantly Figueres Photo: Masses - Pery the polecat (Putorius putorius), in large numbers, the glasswort (Arthrocnemum) or the Mediterranean (Carex riparia and C. otrubae) and common spike- mediaeval village. The gothic church of Saint Mary An important transport nucleus and the birthplace of badger (Meles meles), the red fox (Vulpes vulpes), the saltbush (Atriplex halimus), or rushes such as the rushes (Eleocharis palustris). with its parochial museum, Court and mediaeval Dalí. Of significant importance are the Dali Theatre- 4 Aerial view of the Strict Nature Reserve of the Isle of Caramany. common genet (Genetta genetta) and the fallow marine rush (Juncus maritimus) or the salt meadow On the edges of the rivers or the irrigation channels prison is highly recommended, as is the La Farinera Museum, the museums of Toys, of Technology and of Riu Fluvià. Photo: Santi Font deer (Dama dama), reintroduced in 1987. corngrass (Spartina patens) and, in the months of May grow the riparian woods. These are a mixture of Ecomuseum. the L'Empordà region, and the Castle of Sant Ferran. 1 2 3 4

Albera Tortoise Reproduction Centre • Over 80% of the area of the Natural Park is private • The Park has a network of trails. The use of bicycles Area Park Information and Offices Nearest Tourist Information Offices Garriguella property. Please ensure that your visit does not is not possible on some of these. (Department of the Environment and Housing Planning Service. Last updated: 2004) Telephone: 972 552 245 disturb those who live there. 4,731 hectares (including 834 hectares of nature reserves) El Cortalet Castelló d'Empúries • Wild camping is not permitted within the Park. Ctra. de Sant Pere Pescador to Castelló d'Empúries Plaça dels Homes, 1 • The maintenance service goes to a great deal of Municipalities (GIV-6216, km 13) Telephone: 972 156 233 17486 Castelló d'Empúries ACTIVITIES effort to ensure the most-frequented areas are kept • In spring, summer and autumn it is advisable to use L'Armentera tidy. Please try to generate as little rubbish as mosquito repellent in some areas. Castelló d'Empúries Telephone: 972 454 222 Empuriabrava possible, avoiding leaving cans, cartons, paper etc. L'Escala Fax: 972 454 474 Centre Cívic Palau-saverdera http://www.parcsdecatalunya.net Av. Pompeu Fabra Els Aiguamolls de L'Empordà Natural Park offers a Use the rubbish bins placed in the car park, or take Pau Telephone: 972 450 802 variety of activities to get to know and to enjoy this your litter home. Pedret i Marzà [email protected] area. These are directed both at the public in general THE PARK IS EVERYONE'S HERITAGE, LET'S Peralada and at a more specific target. • Catching and collecting animals and plants is LOOK AFTER IT! Roses Sant Pere Pescador Sant Pere Pescador All of the valuable elements of this area that have forbidden in the Park. Respect the flowers, snails C/ Doctor Josep Vidal, 4 led to its protected status can be seen first-hand on and wild mushrooms. Telephones: 972 520 535 / 972 520 050 the GR-92 network of hike trails and mountain bike Region L'Escala routes. The Park has a Guide service, with guides • To observe the animals, you must be cautious and L’Alt Empordà Plaça de les Escoles, 1 who have extensive in-depth knowledge of the use binoculars. The more mimetic your clothing and 1 Quim Franch Hide Telephone: 972 770 603 area. For further information, telephone El Cortalet, the more silent your movements, the easier it will be Date of Creation Photo: Archives of the Natural Park 972 454 222. to observe the animals. Law 21/1983, of the 28th October, declared the natural site of Peralada Collaborating bodies: APNAE, IAEDEN, Fundació national interest and integral zoological and botanic reserve of Els 2 El Cortalet Lake Aiguamolls de L'Empordà. Centre Cultural Sant Domènec Roger Burlet and Voluntaris Forestals. • Try to avoid loud and disturbing noises; silence is Photo: Archives of the Natural Park Plaça Peixateria, 2 an important value and everyone has the right to Telephone: 972 538 840 enjoy it. 3 Nature camps International protection Photo: Richard Martín · Natura 2000. Mediterranean Region. RULES AND RECOMMENDATIONS Figueres • To make the most of your visit, use the services of a · Special Protection Area (ASPB), September 1987, according to 4 El Cortalet. Park Information Centre Directive 79/409/EEC on the conservation of wild birds. Plaça del Sol guide. th Photo: Archives of the Natural Park · Resolution of 15 March 1993 of inclusion in the Ramsar List of Telephone: 972 503 155 • For more comprehensive information, ask at the Wetlands of International Importance.

Natural Park Information Centre, El Cortalet, where in • Groups wishing to visit the Park without the Back cover: Fallow deer at El Cortalet Lake Roses addition to informative leaflets, you will also find maps, services of a guide should give advance notice of Photo: Archives of the Natural Park This natural space has received co-financing from the European Av. de Rhode, 101 guides and books to enhance your visit to the Park. their visit. Regional Development Funds (ERDF) Telephone: 972 257 331 © GOVERNMENT OF CATALONIA DEPARTMENT OF THE ENVIRONMENT AND HOUSING, DIRECTORATE GENERAL FOR NATURE PARKS SERVICE Dr. Roux, 80 08017 Barcelona Tel. 935 674 200 Legal Deposit: B-50.378-05 Design and layout: LMDG / Lluís Mestres / Lucia Joglar. Printing: IMGESA www.parcsdecatalunya.net