Wood and coppice
Because of the Mediterranean climate, the woods and coppices of the Mediterranean type occupy a large area of the territory. But the flora also changes according to the height. In the regions with moderate height, we will find yew, maple, boxwood, holly as well as wild rose and hazelnut trees. When on the coastal areas will abound holm oak, pine (green and umbrella) and also palm. The areas of Mediterranean scrubland are home to the only native palm species, the dwarf palm. And the agricultural landscapes will be typically Mediterranean with their expanses of olive trees, vineyards and almond trees. Going to the parks will be the best way to appreciate its fauna and flora.
Biodiversity under pressure
With a great wealth of landscapes, habitats and species, the territory retains a high degree of "naturalness", but is very vulnerable in view of the various pressures to which it is subjected: more than 7 million inhabitants concentrated in 30% of the territory, mainly on the coast; a large influx of tourists; a high rate of dispersed urbanization and a dense network of road infrastructures. This pressure weighs particularly heavily on the Costa Brava, which also aspires to become a biosphere reserve. The main point of contention is the numerous seaside construction projects that could start up again after the halt following the collapse of the real estate bubble in 2008. Created in 2018, the platform SOS Costa Brava(https://www.soscostabrava.cat/) has set itself the goal of fighting against urbanistic projects that could encroach on the natural spaces of the beaches. It has very quickly obtained a moratorium on the granting of building licenses along the entire Girona coastline. But she remains vigilant. Taking up the torch of the ecological fight carried out in the 70s and 80s which had led to the creation of the natural park of the Aiguamolls of Empordà in 1983.
Migratory birds and marine ecosystems
For those who want to get the most out of this wealth of natural beauty, there are a number of nature parks. Discover them on foot or by bike.
Cap de Creus Park. This is Catalonia's first maritime and terrestrial park, covering just under 14,000 hectares, starting in the north, not far from the French border, and plunging into the Mediterranean. It rises to 672 meters above sea level, forming a small mountainous peninsula cut by numerous coves. The dominant vegetation is that of bushes and shrubby formations. As the most easterly point of the Iberian Peninsula, it is an essential stopover for migratory birds. A wide variety of marine and terrestrial ecosystems can be found here. With endemic vegetation and unique geological formations.
Parc des Aiguamolls de l'Empordà. This is Catalonia's second-largest wetland area, covering almost 5,000 hectares between the mouths of the Muga and Fluvia rivers. These wetlands once occupied the entire coastal plain of the Gulf of Roses and the lower Ter, but have shrunk under the pressure of agriculture and livestock farming. The main crop was rice, which was gradually reintroduced. In the second half of the 20th century, urban development projects such as Empuriabrava endangered these wetlands, leading to the creation of the park in 1983. Nearly 327 species of birds have been observed here (17 birdwatching points). You may not see them everywhere. But at the very least, you'll come across storks, mallards, kingfishers and coots. Or otters, whose species has been reintroduced. At the El Cortalet information center (carretera de Sant Pere Pescador), you'll find all the documentation and maps you need to explore it on foot or by bike.
Montgrí, Medes Islands and Baix Ter Nature Park. Located between the Alt and Baix (upper and lower) Empordà regions, this park covers some 8,200 hectares and protects both land and sea. Its epicenter is the Montgrí massif, between Alt and Baix Empordà. Its landscape is made up of pine, oak, garrigue and moorland. The Medes Islands are a strict nature reserve, with no human presence whatsoever. It is one of the most important reserves of marine flora and fauna in the western Mediterranean. In terms of fauna, the most interesting species are birds, with 189 species counted: seabirds, rock birds and a few birds of prey. Along the coast and on the islands, you're likely to come across peregrine falcons, kestrels and long-eared owls. The garrigues have become an ideal breeding ground for Montagu's harrier and Bonelli's eagle.
Espace Naturel des Gavarres. Shared between Gironès, La Selva, Baix Empordà https://www.turismegirones.cat/fr/ - Municipalities and institutions have joined forces in the form of a consortium to protect and manage this area and its inhabitants, and also to weave a network of interrelations between municipalities with shared objectives. Those responsible for managing the Gavarres brand offer a wide range of activities (educational nature outings, nature workshops for adults and children, exhibitions, markets, etc.) and provide visitors with information on the network of hiking and mountain-biking routes in this natural area.
Forests, birds of prey and volcanoes
Cadí-Moixeró Natural Park. Going to the Pyrenees in the province of Girona, we will discover this gigantic park covering more than 41,300 hectares and reaching an altitude of 3,000 meters. The area will delight bird lovers. Among them, the capercaillie, which will be difficult to see because of its hidden habitat and solitary habits. Chamois, marmot, badger, fox and weasel will also be present in the landscape. As for the fauna, it will be the occasion to discover the majestic coniferous forests (fir trees and black pine forests), the holm oak reappearing in the lower parts of the park.
Natural Park of the Sources of the Ter and the Freser. It hosts two world-famous Catalan peaks: Puigmal (2910 m) and Bastiments (2881 m). And the rivers have carved out ravines of impressive height, such as the wall of Roques Tot-lo-Mon, recommended to very experienced hikers.
La Garrotxa Natural Park. With 40 volcanic cones ranging from 10,000 to 700,000 years old, it is the best example of volcanic landscape in the Iberian Peninsula, covering a protected area of 15,000 hectares. If it presents an extremely rich flora (1,125 identified species), it is above all a forest area (65% of the park) whose star tree is the mountain holm oak, but which also has very beautiful beech forests, of great landscape value. One can also notice its mosaic of crops (fodder cereals for cattle breeding), well adapted to the terrain. Numerous signposted itineraries allow you to explore it.
