Montseny Natural Park
The Park is an easily accessible mountainous area located to
the north-east of Barcelona, approximately an hour's journey from the city. It
has been recognised as one of the most valuable geographical areas in Spain for
its landscape qualities.
River Tordera, Montseny
Study Options
Climate
Effects of fogs
(around 800-1000 metres above sea-level) on natural vegetation.
The effect
of valley temperature inversions upon natural vegetation and agricultural
land-use (vines).
The effect
of the föhn wind on vegetation and agricultural land-use.
Ecology
Changes
in river biodiversity: source-to-mouth study of the River Tordera.
Ecosystems
Altitudinal
vegetation zoning, passing from Mediterranean evergreen forest, through Central
European deciduous forest (above 1000 metres) to alpine meadows found on the
higher peaks.
An investigation
of visitor pressure on Montseny and the calculation of ecological impact.
Park Management
Management strategies
that seek to reconcile the conflicting demands between human activities and the
natural systems.
The effectiveness
of visitor management.
An examination of
visitor profiles, activities and perceptions.
An investigation
into perceptual, ecological and physical carrying capacities.
Rivers
Source-to-mouth
study of the River Tordera.
Settlement
Location and Change
The
impact of the growth of second homes and tourism on the economy of Riells i
Viabrea (population 1,196).
The impact of
tourism on Campins (population, 217).
A comparison
between the positions, form and development of two villages.
An investigation
of the site, situation and function of Arbucies and the reasons for its growth.
Water
Supply
The management of the Park's valuable water resources: reconciling the
demands of mineral water production, domestic use, irrigation, industry and
river ecology. Montseny is one of Spain's most important producers of mineral
water. The demand for water for domestic use has increased as the area has
filled up with second homes. The control of irrigation water has ancient origins
and is based on concessions and the use of permits. Industrialisation has led to
a marked recent increase in water consumption.
The economic impact of
the hot springs in the village of La Garriga.
The importance of water-related industries to the
economy of Arbucies.
