Ter Vell wetlands

This space is one of those fascinating, unique spots that distinguish a region and enrich its landscape. In the middle of the Costa Brava, a region subjected to strong urban pressure, this tiny natural gem shows the natural wealth of well-conserved coastal wetlands, with shore vegetation and a wide variety of fauna.

ALL THE SPACES IN THE NETWORK

Wildlife

Pond turtle

(Emys orbicularis)
This is a grey water turtle which is quite rare in Catalonia and has been the subject of a LIFE project to recover this zone. It is one of the emblematic animals in this space. It hibernates from November to March and can weigh up to 1.5 kg and live more than 100 years. It feeds on amphibians, small fish, crustaceans and other game.

Blauet

(Alcedo atthis)
Ornithological fauna are one of the main assets of this space, and this small, colourful bird is a good example. It feeds on fish that it catches with great skill by diving into the water at a high speed.

Western marsh harrier

(Circus aeruginosus)
This bird of prey common to lagoons and wetlands uses this zone as one of its few breeding grounds in Catalonia, which is a sign of its high ecological quality.

Flora and vegetation

Elm

(Ulmus minor)
This tree is characteristic of riverine forests and readily tolerates salt in the soil, which allows it to grow along the last stretches of rivers before they reach the sea. A fungal disease, Dutch elm disease, has lowered the elm population on the Iberian Peninsula by more than 80%.

Narrowleaf cattail

(Typha angustifolia)
This plant grows on the edges of lagoons, rivers and canals. The roots, which develop into rhizomes, are always flooded. The white base of the stem is edible.

Tamarind

(Tamarix anglica)
This is a modest-sized tree which is located around the perimeter of the lagoon, commonly found in nitrified soils rich in salt.